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
Category > Retail
While taking a day off from being an otaku I was browsing the stalls at the London Coffee Festival looking for ways to feed my never ending caffeine addiction. You never really switch off from being an otaku, as I stumbled upon a Japanese tea company Ocha & Co who are promoting themselves to coffee connoisseurs.
Many of our readers are fans of Japanese matcha powder and loose leaf Japanese tea, so naturally I was curious. The staff at Ocha & Co explained that they source directly from one tea producer in Shizuoka. The organic certified tea is then shipped quickly to them and then on again directly to the customer. They're keen to get the tea directly from the plantation to your cup in the shortest possible time. You can also buy their matcha and teas direct from Japan using Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Souce: Ocha & Co
Category > Cuisine
We've covered maid cafes before in both New York and London, but until now they've all been pop-up cafes set to run for a single day or weekend at time. We've been sent some interesting details about New York's first dedicated Maid Cafe, called Maid Cafe NY. It opens on Sunday August 18th 2013 at 150 Centre Street, Downtown, NY. The grand opening is set to run from 11am to 3:30pm.
Read More... | Souce: Maid Cafe NY
Fans of Japanese cuisine and film in San Francisco will want to head over to the U.S. Premiere of Eatrip on Saturday April 10th 2010.
"Eatrip explores the interpersonal relationships that food nurtures. This documentary includes interviews with actor Tadanobu Asano, singer UA, tea master Sen Souoku, and many others. It takes you on a journey throughout Japan to look at how life can be led optimally through the daily ritual of eating. To eat is indeed to live. Life is just an "eating trip" (eatrip)."
Read More... | Souce: VIZ Cinema
Category > Cuisine
The New York Times has an interesting article about bento boxes becoming popular in the US.
The meals in a box have become popular in the US for a variety of reasons, apart from the novelty, it's also a great way for a balanced diet, getting all the right food groups in a box. Along with that, it's idea for portion control. The article also highlights how it helps small children who can be fussy eaters eat something healthy.
Souce: New York Times
Category > Cuisine
Fans of Japanese cooking at home should note that Harumi's new book is due for released in September 2009.
It hits the UK on 7th September 2009, while US readers will have to wait a few more days until September 22nd.
Pre Order from Amazon UK
Pre Order from Amazon US
The book covers a wide variety of basic typically Japanese recipes. Harumi thinks you'll be able to create fantastic meals using the simple flavours. The best selling author has sold over 20 million of her books and magazine world wide.
Update: Harumi will be signing books in London at Selfridges Oxford Street on Friday 18th September 2009 from 1.30pm (she will be in the basement book store).
Read More... | Souce: Conran Octopus