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Hyper Japan Festival London 2017 Details

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime

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

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

Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale UK Screening Reminder

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

Category > Events

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

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

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

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

Category > Retail

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

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

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

Anime Architecture: Backgrounds of Japan Exhibition in London

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

STUDIO4

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Netflix Announce New Death Note Live Action Series

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

Category > Anime > TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Silent Voice UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

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

Category > Anime > DVD

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

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

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

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

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

Souce: Anime Limited

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

Sword Art Online Movie UK Cinema Details

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

A Silent Voice UK Cinema Screening Details

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

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

Crunchyroll and Anime Limited Team Up to Stream Dragon Dentist

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

Category > Anime

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

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

It was originally part of the Japan Animator Expo.

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

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Yokai Watch UK DVD Release Details

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

Category > Anime > DVD

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

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

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

Genki Gear MCM Comic Con 2017 Tour T-Shirt

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

Category > Retail

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime > Film

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Category > Anime > DVD

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

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

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

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

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

Category > Anime

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

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

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

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

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

Souce: Anime Limited

MCM Expo Group 2016 Visitor and Exhibitor Numbers

Date: 2016 December 02 15:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks at the MCM Expo Group have sent us details of their visitor numbers for 2016. This year they saw a record total number of total attendance of 489,600 visitors up on last year’s total of 431,700. That's 57,900 more than last year.

Exhibitor numbers are up too with 787 exhibitors in 2016, compared to 596 in 2015, so they've managed to attract 191 more exhibitors.

The press release highlights that with these numbers, their main event (the twice yearly in May and October) MCM London Comic Con is now the third largest event of its kind in the world behind San Diego and New York Comic Cons!

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

Over 130,000 visitors attend MCM London Comic Con

Date: 2016 November 04 17:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the massive geek fest that is MCM London Comic Con have just sent us details about the number of visitors at the event and when the next London event is.

In total 131,308 visitors went to the event on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2016. That's 748 more people than the huge number of 130,560 from the October 2015 event.

The next MCM London Comic Con will be on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2017.

Manga Entertainment UK MCM London Comic Con October 2016 Announcements

Date: 2016 November 01 16:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

It's the aftermath of MCM London Comic Con. On Saturday 29th October 2016 UK anime company Manga Entertainment UK announced the up coming releases.

Following on from their UK cinema release of Akira, they intend to get screenings for the original Ghost in the Shell Movie in January 2017 and Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions in February 2017.

In March 2017 they'll be re-releasing a some Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex titles, plus the original movie.

Manga's Animatsu label also announced some acquisitions. We're very excited about Kinmoza (as we keep mentioning), it's moe, it's pure fluff really.

They've also got Flying Witch, which is easy going and well animated, a kind of magical slice of life show about Makoto a witch in training. Plus A Certain Magical Index II along with A Certain Scientific Railgun 'S.

Full Metal Alchemist Ultimate Boxset UK Release Details

Date: 2016 October 31 16:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've survived the madness that was MCM London Comic Con October 2016. There's lots of anime news for us to go through and share with you. Lots of release details and so on. One thing that really caught our eye was Anime Limited's release of Full Metal Alchemist. They've bundled the original series in an ultimate box set. Now they've been drumming up interest in this release for a while and having actually seen in at the Anime Limited Booth we can confirm it really is the Ultimate Edition.

The real insane part of the set is "The Gate" made of resign it weighs in at 5kg (that's not a typo, it's five kilograms). The set in total weighs 8 Kg!

It'll ship mid November 2016. Anime Limited's shop has it for £209. That's a £90 saving. Anime Limited are also very clear that once this is out of print that's it.

Genki Gear Reveals Their October 2016 T-shirt Line-up

Date: 2016 October 24 15:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In case UK based readers haven't guessed yet, it's almost time for the October run of the MCM London Comic Con. The good folks from geeky t-shirt firm Genki Gear have sent us details of their October line-up for the event.

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

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 October 12 16:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

In case our UK readers haven't already guessed, it's almost time for the MCM London Comic Con. UK anime company Manga Entertainment have just sent us a press release detailing their antics at the event. As always they have a big presence at the Comic Con. They'll be running an Anime Karaoke, hosting a panel revealing their newest acquisitions and distribution plans. On the Friday at 3.30pm they'll be showing a mini showcase for In This Corner of the World which includes trailers for the film and a clip.

They'll also be supporting charity Polished Man. The press release mentions a way to get stickers from Manga Entertainment too, we're keen to grab some, we bet you might be too!

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

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.

Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani to attend MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 October 06 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

When it comes to anime guests the MCM London Comic Con never disappoints. For this Comic Con they've just announced the special anime guest of honour Psycho-Pass director Naoyoshi Shiotani. Best known for directing dystopian future anime, he's also directed Tokyo Marble Chocolate and worked on Production I.G’s first 3DCG animated feature, Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror.

He'll be at the comic con to present an on-stage panel as well as signing autographs. So if you fancy getting your Dominator signed, now's your chance!

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.

Genki Gear Reveal Exclusive Design for MCM London Comic Con October 2016

Date: 2016 September 27 16:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's almost October, which means it's almost time for the October run of the MCM London Comic Con! As is tradition geeky t-shirt maker Genki Gear have revealed their exclusive T-shirt design for the event. This time around it features Barry the cosplaying horse.

The design is only available on pre-order from 20 September to 23 October 2016. The t-shirts can either either be collected directly from the Genki Gear stand at London Comic Con or posted to your home so it's ready to wear at the event.

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

Crunchyroll and Funimation announce content partnership

Date: 2016 September 08 15:47 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Funimation and Crunchyroll have signalled a major change to their platforms as they announce plans to cross-share content. The deal will make major changes for US, Canadian, UK and Ireland customers of both platforms.

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.

Anime Producer Reo Kurosu Guest of Honour at MCM Scotland Comic Con 2016

Date: 2016 August 24 16:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans heading to MCM Scotland Comic Con in Glasgow will be interested in this anime guest of honour. Reo Kurosu is an anime producer with an impressive list of top titles to his name, including Fullmetal Alchemist, The Heroic Legend of Arslan and the new Berserk adaptation. We really want to ask him questions about the the fan favourite Saint Young Men.

He'll be presenting a panel on the Saturday of the Glasgow show, as well as meeting fans on both days of the event.

The event is set to run from Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September 2016 at the SECC.

Manga Jiman 2016 Competition Details

Date: 2016 August 19 04:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Aspiring or upcoming artists based in the UK will be interested in the Embassy of Japan in the UK's Manga Jiman Competition. This year marks the 10th edition of competition. With the top prize being a return flight for two people to Japan, thanks to All Nippon Airways!

This year's theme is "Sights of Japan". The competition has two categories; Yonkoma Manga, a comic strip of 4 panels on one page, for entrants aged between 11 and 13 and Manga Jiman, a short story told across 6 to 8 pages for anyone aged 14 or over.

The competition closes on Monday, 24 October 2016. So get drawing!

Kiki's Delivery Service gets a New Theatrical Adaptation in London Over Christmas 2016

Date: 2016 August 17 15:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

Fans of Japanese Culture looking for something to do over Christmas will want to to head to the Southwark Playhouse in London. They'll be hosting the world premiere of a brand new theatrical adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The play is based on the best selling book by Eiko Kadono, and was adapted into a much loved film by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The play is set to run from Thursday 8th December 2016 until Sunday 8th January 2017.

The Southwark Playhouse have previously hosted a production of Howl's Moving Castle in 2012.

They've yet to announce any casting or creative details. We'll be very curious as to who they cast for Jiji, if it'll be a human or some kind of stage craft puppetry.

This is all we can reveal at this stage, and we're keen to book tickets already! As always when tickets are release, we suggest you book early to avoid any disappointment.

Akira to hit UK Cinemas in September 2016

Date: 2016 August 12 16:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

It's a big year for Manga Entertainment UK, as they're celebrating their 25th anniversary. Wanting to share it with everyone they've got UK Anime fans and film buffs alike all excited by announcing a massive cinema screening of the classic feature film Akira.

You'll want to keep Wednesday 21st September 2016 free as it'll be showing on over 70 screens!

This is one of those films that you really must see on a big screen.

If you do want to see it on a smaller screen you can always buy it on Blu-ray and DVD.

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2016 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 16:05 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival have just sent us details of their 2016 run. They'll be screen anime at Chapter in Cardiff, Wales, UK on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2016 and Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Aberystwyth, Wales, UK on Saturday 15th October 2016.

They've got a great line up including Miss Hokusai, Psycho-Pass The Movie, The Murder Case of Hana & Alice and Harmony (we recently interviewed the director).

As always with these events we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Kitacon 2017 Details

Date: 2016 August 05 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK based anime fans looking ahead for the 2017 anime convention season will be pleased to hear that Kitacon have announced their 2017 event. During the closing ceremony of AmeCon 2016 the KitaCon Team revealed that their next event is called Kita Quest and will be at the Warwick Arts Centre from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th August 2017.

The Warwick Arts Centre was used this year for AmeCon 2016, and has been used many times before by AyaCon. It's a favoured location for anime conventions.

Registration for the anime/geek convention opens on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 19:00.

Souce: Kitacon

Band-Maid Announce First European Tour

Date: 2016 July 27 15:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of hard core rock music played by Japanese Maids will be pleased to hear the news from JPU Records, who have sent us details of Band-Maid's first European tour.

Tour dates are as follows:
12 October 2016: The Underworld – London, UK
13 October 2016: MTC – Cologne, Germany
15 October 2016: Headcrash – Hamburg, Germany
16 October 2016: La Boule Noire – Paris, France
19 October 2016: Hydrozagadka – Warsaw, Poland

Ticket sales begin on Friday 29 July 2016.

Manga Entertainment UK Q4 2016 Release Schedule

Date: 2016 July 22 17:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their Q4 release schedule.

They'll be releasing:

Wish Upon The Pleiades - Monday 17th October 2016

When Supernatural Battles Become Common Place - Monday 31st October 2016.

Perfect Insider - Monday 14th November 2016

Digimon Adventure Tri Movie 1 - Monday 19th December 2016.

The titles will be avaiable for pre-order from Wednesday 27th July 2016.

Hyper Japan Festival 2016 Event Reminder

Date: 2016 July 12 15:31 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Just a quick reminder for UK based readers looking for something to do this weekend in London. Why not head over to Hyper Japan? It's the UK's largest celebration of Japanese pop culture. There's plenty to do for fans of Japan, from food, cosplay, anime, gaming, fashion and music.

Then event is set to run from Friday 15th July to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

Summer Explorers! 2 - Anime Screenings in London

Date: 2016 July 04 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The Japan Foundation in London have just sent us some details about their up coming anime season Summer Explorers! 2, (a year after the first Summer Explorers), the event is back in 2 parts. The first set of screenings is set to run on Saturday 30th July 2016 at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN from 11:30 to 17:00. The second set of screenings will run on Saturday 6th August 2016 at Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA from 12:45 to 16:30

The line up includes some anime suitable for anyone 8 and above, with some anime is suitable for 12 year olds and above, while one is suitable for adults only.

The screenings are all free to attend! As always with events like this, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment. To book a place, please visit www.jpf.org.uk

Esprit D'Air Returns with New Lineup and Upcoming Shows

Date: 2016 June 29 15:50 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London-based space metal band Esprit D'Air have sent us news of their reformation and upcoming tour dates. The band originally split in 2013.

They'll be at the following venues:

Hyper Japan in London on Saturday 16th July 2016
Underbelly Hoxton, London on Tuesday 19th July 2016
De Montfort University, Leicester on Saturday 3rd September 2016

When Marnie Was There UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2016 June 18 14:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Studio Ghibli's final movie When Marnie Was There has just hit UK cinema screens. Pre-orders for the home video release of the film have just appeared on Amazon.co.uk.

It's due for release on Monday 3rd October 2016. There are currently 3 editions available for pre-order. You can get it on DVD, blu-ray and DVD double play edition or Blu-ray Special Edition. It's not yet clear what the special edition has over the double play edition, we assume based on previous Studio Canal releases it'll be the same as the double play edition, but perhaps with some postcards or some kind of extra like that.

Souce: Amazon.co.uk

Animatsu Licenses In This Corner of the World

Date: 2016 June 15 16:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've just been sent details from Animatsu Entertainment, an affiliate company of Manga Entertainment UK. They've just announced that they've secured global distribution rights animated feature In This Corner of the World. The film is based on the the award-winning manga written by Fumiyo Kouno. It tells the tale of Suzu, who in 1944 moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima.

This is an interesting move by Animatsu, until now they've mainly acquired rights to distribute titles in the UK and Ireland. Often partnering with American and Australian anime companies for resources such as the subtitles and English language dub. We asked Animatsu to elaborate on their new acquisition strategy, but they can't divulge anything as yet.

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 18 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from UK Anime company Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details for their places at the MCM London Comic Con, which is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

As always Manga UK and their other label Animatsu will be hosting a panel with announcements at 3pm on the Saturday. They'll be making unmissable news and announcements regarding their upcoming releases. We suspect they'll be making some exciting licensing announcements. They'll also be hosting a Q&A session on the Friday, so you'll be able to ask people in the anime industry those questions you'll be dying to know.

They've also got Anime Karaoke with over 150 anime theme songs!

Along with some special offers and rare branded merchandise, they'll also be holding a Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Raffle which all proceeds will be donated to the Kumamoto Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by Global Giving.

Tekkonkinkreet director Michael Arias to talk latest film Harmony at MCM London Comic Con May 2016

Date: 2016 May 12 15:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's not long until it's time again for the MCM London Comic Con. They're always a treat for anime fans having already announced that they'll be hosting hosting the EU premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin III plus Sunrise Special Guests. Keen to keep anime fans content, they've also got anime director Michael Arias who made Tekkonkinkreet and produced the Animatrix. He'll be at the Comic Con to talk about his latest film Harmony. He's CV is like an otaku's dream which includes working closely with Studio Ghibli on Miyazaki masterpieces Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2016 at the Excel Centre in London.

Michael Arias will also be at the BFI Southbank London - Anime Weekend 2016.

Ghibli Singer Azumi Inoue to Appear at Hyper Japan this July 2016

Date: 2016 May 09 16:10 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from Hyper Japan have just sent us news that they're as happy as be to announce that Azumi Inoue will be at the event in London. The singer is best known for singing for Ghibli Movies, including the Totoro theme and Laputa, Castle in the Sky.

So hey let's go to Hyper Japan from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2016 at Olympia London.

DJ Itsuka and MC Gonchi of Charisma.com will also be there.

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