New UK anime company on the block Anime Limited have just announced on Twitter (and other social media) that their first title will be Cowboy Bebop on DVD and Blu-ray. It'll be released sometime in Q3 of 2013. The TV show has been released in the UK a few times on DVD before but has been out of print for a while and UK copies of the DVD are hard to find.
It has never been released on blu-ray in the UK. A hi-def version of the series has the potential to look amazing as the series was cel animated with some CGI, if done properly the blu-ray release would be worth grabbing!
The series was voted number 2 on the top anime of all time list by 11,700 Newtype USA readers (Neon Genesis Evangelion the TV show was voted number 1).
Cowboy Bebop, like Evangelion is one of those landmark must have titles that all anime fans should see. Additionally, Bebop isn't just about the anime, it's also about the music, The Seatbelts (Yoko Kanno's band) do an amazing job on the Bebop soundtrack.
Souce: Anime Limited Twitter Feed
Category > Culture
The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their December 2012 highlights have sent us details of their December Highlights.
The works of surreal comedian Kentaro Kobayashi should be of particular interest to all!
The station broadcasts content in English and is free to access. It's available in many countries.
In the UK if you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.
Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 105. It's out now from all good news agents.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from Hyper Japan have sent us details of their last event run in November 2012, and are delighted to report the event had the biggest footfall ever.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Manga
The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 16.
This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.
Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga
Category > Events
Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 is almost here! The premier Japanese Culture event will run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 in Earl's Court London.
Along with a great line up of music, they've also sent us details that legendary rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei will appear at Hyper Japan. Tomoyasu Hotei, will pay a guest visit to the event on Friday 23rd November at 6:00pm.
This will be the first time in over a decade that he has performed in the UK. Vistors at Hyper Japan will be treated to a live rendition of Battle Without Honour or Humanity (also known as the Kill Bill Theme).
He'll also be playing a special one off gig in London in December 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan Christmas 2012
Category > Events
It's getting closer to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012, which is set to run from Friday 23rd November to Sunday 26th November 2012.
The international arm of Japanese broadcaster NHK will be there to promote their international channel NHK World.
The station broadcasts content in English and is free to access. If you have Sky you can access NHK World on Channel 507. If you've got FreeSat you can access it on channel 209.
Failing that, you can also watch the show on-line on the NHK Website, JIB TV, or on the NHK World App on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) and Android Devices.
Fans of Kawaii will be pleased to hear that the station will be looking for people wearing Kawaii Fashion at Hyper Japan for their Kawaii International show. Some stylish attendees to Hyper Japan might be added to the show's Facebook page, or even featured on the show itself!
At the NHK World booth (C6 at Hyper Japan), they'll also be showing Itadakimasu! Dining with the Chef, so you can learn about Japanese cooking techniques.
So if you're going to Hyper Japan this weekend, swing by the NHK World World booth C6.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World
Category > Events
We've received some exciting news about Tomoyasu Hotei the man behind the Kill Bill Theme Tune - Battle Without Honour or Humanity.
On Tuesday 18th December the guitar guru will be performing a special one off show at the London Roundhouse.
Read More... | Souce: Tomoyasu Hotei
Category > Press Releases
The good folks from the London MCM Expo have sent us the attendance figures details from the October Event. The London MCM Expo which ran from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 smashed all previous records with more than 70,000 visitors!
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Series to give away on Blu-ray.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Anime
London based readers who enjoy the violent action anime movie that is Ninja Scroll will want to get to the Hackney Picturehoue on Friday 16th November 2012. They'll be screening a special premiere of Ninja Scroll, the premium ticket includes admission to the movie along with a standard edition copy of the movie on blu-ray and a limited edition world exclusive signed poster by Sam Gilbey.
Only 300 tickets are available to this event. To make things even more awesome Manga Entertainment will give away a bundle of goodies worth £500 including some of their best selling titles.
Read More... | Souce: Hackney Picturehouse
Category > Events
As if anime fans in London already needed an excuse to go to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 at Earls Court on November Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th 2012, the good folks running the event have just told us that Hisamitsu Ishikawa (CEO of Studio IG and the producer of Ghost In The Shell) will be there. He'll be giving a special talk at the event. So if you haven't booked tickets already, you should now!
Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
London based fans of Japanese music will want to go to Japan Underground for their 4 Female Fronted Band night on Friday 19th October 2012 from 7pm. Tickets are £8 on the door or £5 in advance or with a flyer.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground
Category > Press Releases
We've received some interesting news from the MCM Expo Group, the company behind the London MCM Expo, who have just announced that they've acquired MyM Magazine. The terms of the acquisition have not been made public.
Read More... | Souce: London MCM Expo
London based anime fans are in for a treat this week with the 56th BFI London Film Festival. Fans will want to catch the screenings of Wolf Children - Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki.
Screening Details as follows:
Thursday 11 October 2012, 12:45, VUE West End
Saturday 13 October 2012, 12:15, VUE West End
Sunday 14 October 2012, 13:00, Rich Mix
Read More... | Souce: 56th BFI London Film Festival
Category > Events
Christmas has come early for UK based fans of Japanese culture! Hyper Japan is set to return to Brompton Hall, Earl's Court in London for Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012.
They'll have all sorts of fun including traditional Japanese food, culture and music, along with the modern elements that make Japan cool.
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
Category > Events
Artistic UK based readers in Hertfordshire who can get to St Albans will want to visit to the Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road on Friday 5th October 2012. There launching a new project to create a manga book inspired by the theme of the Magna Carta, called the Manga Carta.
The fun starts at 5pm and is set to run until 8pm. Entrance is free. All ages welcome, 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
Manga Entertainment at the London MCM Expo October 2012
The good folks at Manga Entertainment have sent us details of what they'll be doing at the London MCM Expo, on Friday 26h October to Sunday 28th October 2012.
Highlights include-
Exclusive signings with Liam O'Brien who is best known as Gaara from Naruto.
Cosplay Area
Viz Media Bookshop
Plus a DVD sale with prices starting from £1.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Retail
It's that time of year again! The fun is about to begin for the MCM Expo London Comic Con at the Excel Centre in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012. To celebrate the event popular t-shirt creator Genki Gear will be releasing their traditional exclusive t-shirt for the event.
The theme this time around is very cute!
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us two copies of Fullmetal Alchemist Movie 2: The Sacred Star of Milos to give away on Blu-ray.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Press release as follows:
London based anime fans looking for some Japanese based cinema should already be aware of The Zipangu Fest Film Festival. It runs from Friday 14th September to Sunday 16th September 2012.
They've just announced Somi - The Taekwon-do Woman will on the opening night.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
The good folks from the Zipangu Fest Film Festival have sent us the details for their 2012 film line up!
The 3rd Zipangu Fest is set to take place at The Cinema Museum in Kennington, South London from September 14th to 16th 2012.
Anime fans will be interested in their beyond anime strand.
They'll be showing -
The Great Rabbit on Friday 14 September 2012 at 7:00pm
A magical hand-drawn animation that is also a profound conundrum.
Midori-ko on
Sunday 16 September 2012 at 2:30pm
A university researcher protects a human/vegetable hybrid in a dystopic dark fantasy that took ten years to complete.
The Echo of Astro Boy's Footsteps on Sunday 16 September 2012 at 12:30pm
Riveting, unpredictable and moving documentary about the mysterious double life of the pioneering Astro Boy sound designer Matsuo Ohno.
They've also got a great line up of live action films too.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
UK based anime fans who are awaiting the highly anticipated blu-ray release of Ninja Scroll will be pleased to hear that it's due out on Monday 26th November 2012. Manga Entertaiment UK will be releasing a special limited edition Blu-ray/DVD Steelbook, along with separate Blu-ray and DVD editions.
You can pre-order the steel book edition now on Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Retail
The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 101. It's out now from all good news agents. It includes a double cover with Blue Exorcist on one side and Graces f on the other (plus articles relating to said covers). That and a four page preview of the highly anticipated Level 5 and Studio Ghibli Game Ni no Kuni.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
UK anime fans looking for something different, will want to give Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack a try.
The title is due out on Monday 20th August 2012 and is available for pre-order now. We haven't seen it yet, and we're unsure how to pitch this, perhaps it's the cure for watching too many moe titles?! Forget regular zombies, a fish that sprout legs and attacks the land is not something you hear about everyday!
Read More... | Souce: Terracotta Distribution
Category > Events
UK based gamers keen to head over to the Tokyo Game Show this September 2012, will want to take a look at Japan Journeys Tokyo Game Show Tour Package. The 9 night tour spans from 16th to 24th September 2012 and includes flights, transfers, breakfast hotel accommodation, along with all the entrance fees to places on the tour.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Journeys
Category > Events
We've just been sent some interesting details from the World Cosplay Summit UK Team, who are currently in Japan representing the country for the finals! So cheer them on this Saturday 4th August 2012. You can keep up with their adventures on their blog. They won the UK finals and in turn flights to Japan, and the chance to represent the UK at lots of fun events such as parties and parades along with the World Cosplay Summit Championship. The WCS is broadcast live on TV to an audience of 10 million.
You too can win the chance to represent the UK in the 2013 World Cosplay Summit. To do so, check out Hyper Japan's website.
Read More... | Souce: Cosplay Odyssey: Japan 2012
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us a copy of Panty and Stocking With Garter Belt Complete Series Collection on DVD to give away to one lucky reader.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
London based Studio Ghibli fans will be pleased and surprised to hear about the world's first staging of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki's renowned title is being transferred to the stage by the Whole Hog Theatre Company.
The performance will use be using "giant puppets made from recycled materials, visceral, physical storytelling and original live music".
This project has been in the works for over a year.
Performances are set to take place from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th April 2013 at the New Diorama Theatre in London. Tickets are available now for £12.50 or £10.50 for concessions.
Update: The tickets have sold out for the weekend already, you can still buy tickets for the Wednesday.
Read More... | Souce: New Diorama Theatre
Category > Events
UK based fans of Japanese cinema will be pleased to hear of the return of the Zipganu Fest. The Japanese film festival is set to return from Friday 14th September until Sunday 16th September 2012 at the Cinema Museum in Kennington, South London.
Following the main event the festival will be touring around the UK.
Read More... | Souce: Zipangu Fest
London based anime fans who fancy seeing Akira on the big screen should head over the Gate Picture House in Notting Hill. There will be two screenings one on Friday 20 Jul 2012 at 11pm and the other on Saturday 21 Jul 2012 at 11pm.
Read More... | Souce: Gate Picture House
Category > Retail
Following on from the Neo 100th Issue Party, we've been sent the details of the 100th Issue of Neo Magazine, the UK's longest anime and manga magazine. Issue 100 is out now from all good magazine retailers.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
The lovely people from Third Window Films have sent us the details of their new DVD and blu-ray release of the live action movie Love Exposure, which is due out in the UK on Monday 6th August 2012.
This is to coincide with the DVD and blu-ray of Sion Sono's newest film Himizu.
Readers may remember this film was shown on Film 4 a while back.
Read More... | Souce: Third Window Films
The good folks from Third Window Films have sent us the details of their new DVD and blu-ray release of the live action movie Himizu, which is due out in the UK on Monday 6th August 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Third Window Films
Category > Events
Anime inspired t-shirt brand Mayamada have sent us details of an event they're running in London on Friday 20th July from 6pm until 11pm. Those interested in anime inspired t-shirt designs should head over to dessert shop Tutti Frutti near Covent Garden Tube station.
You'll have a first chance to look at the their designs. All ticket holders will also recive 20% frozen yoghurt on the night, plus a chance to win prizes. The event is free, but you'll have to grab tickets as space is limited.
Read More... | Souce: Mayamada
Category > Press Releases
Long ago on 25th November 2004 a new anime and manga magazine launched in the UK. Almost 8 years later, Neo Magazine is still going strong and has hit the 100 issue mark.
To celebrate it's 100th issue they'll be throwing a party in London on Saturday 7th July 2012. Everyone is invited to the free party, which starts at 8pm at the Bloomsbury Lanes. The party is for over 18's only, ID is required.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us a copy of a copy of Dragon Ball Z-Complete Season One on DVD and Welcome to the Space Show on Blu-Ray to give away to one lucky reader.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Events
London based fans of Maids and food will want to head to Camden Town on Sunday 15th July 2012 (after being postponed from last month). The Hellenic Restaurant will play host to the Japanese Maid Cafe.
Entry is £25 in advance which includes a 3-course meal and entry to the event. The food will be prepared on site by a qualified Japanese chef.
They'll have 3 sessions:
13:00 to 15:00
15:30 to 17:30
18:00 to 20:00
The maid cafe will also give you the opportunity to play a selection of games with them (for £2 per game per person). Souvenir poloroid photos can also be taken on the day at a cost of £5 per photo.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Maid Cafe London
Category > Press Releases
The good folks at Neo Magazine have sent us the details of their 99th Issue. Out now this issue is spicy to say the least, as it features Spice and Wolf, along with the usual selection of exclusive features.
The numerate among you will also notice that the next issue due out in 4 weeks is issue 100, so no doubt Neo will have something special lined up.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
US publisher VIZ Manga announces plans to simultaneously publish the 13th volume of the popular manga in English on November 2nd 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Press Releases
NEO Magazine launches campaign to find their ultimate fan in celebration for their 100th issue.
The winner will have a lifetime subscription to the magazine and have their photo featured in the 100th issue.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Press Releases
Namco Bandai Games UK announces an online community for fans of their Tales Of series of computer games.
Read More... | Souce: Namco Bandai Games UK
Category > Events
Piano rock musician HITT to play at the after party for Japan Underground VS. NEO Magazine After Party on Saturday 26th of May 2012 at Bloomsbury Lane in London.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Underground VS. NEO Magazine Facebook Page
Category > Retail
UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us a copy of a copy of Ghost In The Shell on Blu-Ray (Double Play edition) to give away to one lucky reader.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Gaming
The good folks from Namco Bandai have sent us details of the Tales of Graces f, which is due out in Europe (that includes the UK), the Middle East and Australia on Friday 31st August 2012.
If you can't wait until then to play it, you should head over to the London MCM Expo from Friday 25th May to Sunday 27th May 2012. Tales of Graces F will be demoed from 5pm to 5:30pm on the Saturday. Namco Bandai will also be demoing the highly anticipated game made in conjunction with Studio Ghibli and Level 5 - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch from 6pm to 6:30pm. Fans looking for some kinect action should go to the Sunday 10:30 to 11am demo of Dragon Ball Z Kinect.
Read More... | Souce: Namco Bandai
Category > Retail
The good folks at NEO have just sent us the details about their latest issue. NEO 98 is due out on Thursday 17th May 2012 from all good newsagents, Tesco and WH Smith. It features plenty of Dragon Ball Z, along with other articles on titles such as Ozma.
Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine
Category > Events
Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to Brighton from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 1st July 2012 for the return of the Brighton Japan Festival.
There will be plenty to see and do, including not one, but two matsuri festivals, a film festival, Japanese music and performances, traditional children's games, cosplay and so much more.
Read More... | Souce: Brighton Japan Festival
Category > Events
The successful London based Japanese culture event Hyper Japan have just announced the date for their next event. Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012 at Earls Court in London. So save the date!
Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan
London based fans of classic Japanese cinema will want to head over the to Barbican on 2pm Saturday 2nd of June 2012 to catch a special screening of Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood. This will include a screen talk by director Yukio Ninagawa.
Yukio Ninagawa also directed Cymbeline, which will be performed the Ninagawa Company and will run at the Barbican Theatre from at 7:15pm on Tuesday 29th May to Saturday 2nd June 2012.
Read More... | Souce: Barbican
Category > Events
The London MCM Expo is on the horizon for Friday 25th to Sunday 27th May 2012. If you're going and are artistic you will be pleased to hear that Letraset will be running a manga alley art competition. The theme for May's competition is Splish-Splash. The competition is divided into 2 categories, over 16 and under 16.
They'll be a great line up of over £120 worth of prizes for the winners, with plenty of goodies for runners up too.
Read More... | Souce: Letraset
Category > Events
With the London Comic Con MCM Expo just over a month away things are starting to rev up for it. T-shirt company Genki Gear have just unveiled their exclusive design for the May event, which is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27h May 2012.
The t-shirt is available for pre-order from Genki Gear. You can collect at the Genki Gear stall at the Expo, or have it posted out to you after the event.
Read More... | Souce: Genki Gear