Please click the link to see the Main Stage running times: Main Stage
MANGA ENTERTAINMENT UK @ JapanEX London
GHOST IN THE SHELL: Solid State Society
The Brand new feature length film from Studio IG
Manga Entertainment are proud to announce that they will be offering a special FREE preview screening of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand alone complex film at JapanEX on Saturday and Sunday. Seats are extremely limited and are available from Manga’s stand on the day.
The year is 2034; two years after Major Motoko Kusanagi left Public Security Section 9, the elite counter-terrorist and anti-crime unit specializing in cyber warfare. In that time, Section 9 has increased its appointed personnel to 20 operatives, with Togusa taking over as leader of the unit. Their latest assignment sees the team confronted by a rash of mysterious suicides involving operatives of the disbanded Siak Republic, many of whom had sought asylum in Japan. Confronted by Section 9, a fearful survivor issues a cryptic warning that The Puppeteer is coming, before killing himself.
Who is the Puppeteer and what is the connection to the so-called Solid State Society? And What has become of the enigmatic Motoko.
Written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost In The Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG; Blood: The Last Vampire) and produced by the same creative team responsible for the hugely successful Stand Alone Complex series, this completely new and all-original chapter in the action-packed sci-fi saga is as thematically and visually breathtaking as its predecessors.
The two-disc GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX - SOLID STATE SOCIETY (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (£19.99) by Manga Entertainment on 20th August 2007
Air soft, a sport similar to Paintball was developed in Japan in the
early 80's. The sport uses replica weapons to fire six mil plastic "ball
bearings" at the opposing teams. Recently Air soft has rapidly grown in popularity
across the UK becoming one of the fasting growing sports around.
Over the past few years Fallout has been actively engaged in bringing
this lesser known sport in to the public eye, making Air soft a widely
available option for birthdays, stag/hen parties, team building and any
traditional customers to the combat games industry.
Visit the Fallout stand to for full details of the phonomen and how you could get involved.
www.fallout-uk.com
NARUTO rise of a Ninja
The #1 Anime Series arrives on Xbox 360 this fall.
In a game exclusively developed for the Xbox 360 from the ground up and for the first time ever, gamers will experience Naruto starting from the series’ beginning.
Re-live the hit anime and manga and experience Naruto’s transformation from noisy ninja-academy dropout to respected ninja.
Naruto rise of a Ninja is centred on the main character of the anime.
12 years ago, a fearsome 9-tailed demon fox attacked the village of Konoha, Many ninjas fell during the battle until the most powerful one sealed the monster into the body of a newborn... Naruto!
Now Naruto has grown up to a hyperactive ninja-in-training who’s more interested in pranks than schoolwork, however he’s determined to become the greatest ninja ever! With this dream in head he will never stop his efforts, and through hard work will gain respect and acceptance.
This is the rise of Ninja.
Key Features:
Experience Growing Up As Naruto:
The only game that allows you to step into Naruto’s shoes from the series’ beginning, complete authentic missions and relive the Naruto anime and manga experience.
Immerse Yourself In Naruto’s Universe:
Roam freely and discover authentic environments. Explore genuine Konoha Village and its surroundings. Interact with Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and members from the Naruto cast.
Unparalleled Depth and Variety of Gameplay:
The first Naruto game to combine action adventure gameplay, classic platforming battles, head-to-head fighting and in-depth character development.
Build Up Your Fighting Techniques to Defeat Deadly Enemies in Fast-Paced Combat:
Define your own way of the ninja as you learn to better control your chakra, improve your techniques, master new taijutsus and ninjutus, and command more powerful ninja weapons.
Play With Friends:
Select your favorite Naruto character and challenge a friend. Customize your character and pick your own battle field.
The British Kendo Association
The British Kendo Association (BKA) was founded in 1964 as a non-profit making organisation to foster and develop the practice and spirit of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo along traditional lines.
In the Middle Ages, Ito Ittosai Kagehisa developed the style that forms the basis of present day Kendo.
Kendo historians estimate that there were more than 200 different sword schools and styles by the end of the sixteenth century, it was not until the beginning of the eighteenth century, however, that serious thought was given to developing armour to protect trainees from permanent disability, or even death, during vigorous training.
Known then as 'Kenjutsu', the art of Kendo became more popular with the improvement of protective armour, the simplification of many of the vast number of traditional techniques and the acceptance of rules of conduct within the fencing hall.
From Kenjutsu developed Kendo, using the bamboo sword ('shinai') to replace the metal sword, and thus allowing the free practice of swordsmanship.
The shinai is made of four splints of bamboo held together at one end, with a tubular leather handle slid over the splints and a leather cup at the other end, the shinai weighs around 500 grams, and various basic cuts and thrusts are made repeatedly to build up speed and stamina.
To focus concentration and to aid correct breathing a shout, or 'kiai', is made on the completion of each strike.
When practising Kendo, padded armour (traditionally made of bamboo and cotton) is worn over the customary dress of the samurai.
To score, a good cut must be delivered to well-defined targets (the top of the head, right wrist and the breastplate) using the upper third of the shinai, thrusts to the throat may be made with the point of the shinai, all the targets are well protected by the armour.
First impressions of Kendo are of a noisy, aggressive and violent full-contact martial art.
Kendo is certainly dynamic, but a little study will soon reveal a high level of skill and concentration, together with a grace and physical agility that any choreographer would appreciate.
Students are from all walks of life and of any age, and women train on equal terms with men.
Kendo may be safely practised by men, women and children of all ages, and the type and level of practice may of course be adjusted to suit each pupil, the most senior Kendo teachers in the BKA are 7th Dan, with several 6th and 5th Dans who train in various parts of the country.
In addition to Kendo, the BKA also oversees the arts of Jodo and Iai:
Iaido, loosely translated, means that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you should always BE PREPARED. Iaido is the art of drawing the sword and was first developed as a means of gaining an advantage in combat over opponents before they could draw their sword.
Today, the object of Iaido is to develop one's mind, body and spirit, the emphasis being on developing the ability to remain calm and in control, especially when under pressure or facing a difficult situation.
Jodo is the way of the staff. Originally called Jojutsu, the name change to Jodo in 1940.
Thi way of using the staff was devised by another in the early 1600s. Gonnosuke Katsukichi was a swordsman who held a teaching licence in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. Gonnosuke, like others of his time, developed his skills by engaging in many duels around the country.
If you are interested in finding out more about kendo, iai or jo practice, please visit: www.kendo.org.uk
Party the night away at the 'JapanEX London' Party
Dance the night away with your friends and even make some new ones. A Disco, Live Music and a quiter area that will allow for people to take time away from the dance floor to just chat and catch up with the great time they are having at the 'JapanEX London' party and of course the Bar.
Why not come in Cosplay and take part in the Prize winning Cosplay competitions, you can also take part in the Popular DDR dance mat craze and listen to a live Jrock Band as well as the Disco.
All in all a great time is to be had by everyone!
We are honoured to confirm that Hisami will be attending JapanEX.
Hisami will appear on stage each day she will introduce herself to the audience, perform a dance, and recite a few haiku, and open a discussion.
Whilst Geiko (or Geisha) are a famous image of Japan, perhaps less famous is the Furisode-san, a woman who has studied the arts of the Geiko, but is self-funded.
Furisode-san are identical to Geiko in manners, appearance and beauty, they are just as enigmatic and captivating.
Hisami is a beautiful university student with the sort of talent for entertaining that comes along once in a blue moon. She is witty, charming and above all polite. Couple that with exquisite dance skills and a sweet singing voice and you have the recipe for a unique entertainment.
The Furisode-san is a work of art. Her flawless, exotic beauty, her colourful, exquisite kimono and handmade accessories make her visually stunning. Every word, every movement, every step is the product of a lifetime of devotion to the arts you will see a refined and elegant example of classic Nihonbuyo dance.
One of the popular fashion styles from the streets of Japan is taking the world by storm!
Girls dressed in cloth based on the Victorian era.
Petticoats, knee high socks, ribbons, frills and lace all the cuteness in the world.
M fashion from the Netherlands will introduce you to the style.
Come and be fascinated by the cuteness and prettiness of the girls.
M fashion will give several fashion shows at JapanEx London and tell you what the style is all about.
Also M fashion will attend with a stand filled with Gothic Lolita items from several Japanese brands!
JapanEX London may be a brand new and unique event for London, but if you're a regular MCM expo visitor, you'll find a slice of home in the form of the manga alley.
Sweatdrop Studios are proud to be able to attend this exciting new event; after all - they're a group of artists who have been inspired by the land of the rising sun and its comic industry, despite their British twist.
Sweatdrop Studios
It all began as a platform for the collective to print and sell original comics. Five years on, and the members of Sweatdrop have found themselves working in close contact with the likes of Tokyopop, Letraset, Wacom, e-frontier and more; even running their own manga school feature in the hugely successful Neo Magazine; all this whilst maintaining their day jobs!
Though several of its members are pursuing successful illustration careers independently, Sweatdrop remains a collection of dedicated manga fans who use the group to print and distribute their own UK-grown brand of manga.
For a full list of Sweatdrop comics and to access the forums, check out sweatdrop.com
Current members:
Dock (Haden Scott-Baron)
Laura Watton
Subi (Sam brown)
Foxy
Emma Vieceli
Sonia Leong
Keds (Aleister Kelman)
Selina Dean
Carrie Dean
Fehed Said
Bex (Rebecca Burgess)
Sunkitten (Morag Lewis)
Mary Beaird
Yan ryu (Stephanie Drewett)
Marbles (Jacqueline Kwong)
Wandering Muse (Hannah Saunders)
Scorpio (Joanna Zhou)
Yuriko Kihara
Cin (Ken Hoang)
Wyldflowa (Chloe Citrine)
Ben Palmer
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JapanEx Manga Competition
As always, Sweatdrop will be working with a host of generous sponsors, including Letraset, sponsors of the manga alley itself,- meaning that budding manga artists out there stand a chance to win some superb prizes worth hundreds of pounds.
There are two main categories to every expo art competition, and JapanEx is no different:
1. Home-made - Bring along a pre-made piece of artwork that fits the given theme. The theme for JapanEx (rather fittingly we feel) is JAPANESE TRADITIONAL CULTURE.
2. Manga Alley - Sit with us in the alley itself at the event and create a masterpiece. Any Manga alley work must bear the sweatdrop stamp. So either use the provided sweatdrop paper, or bring your own paper or sketchbook up to the desk before drawing to get it stamped.
Best of luck to all who enter - More information coming soon.
Although the majority of ABJD (Asian ball-jointed doll) companies are from Korea these days, they originally herald from Japan, and a wonderful family company called Volks.
In the last few years, the BJD hobby has caught fire across Asia, America, and now Europe and the UK.
These resin wonders are now filling many a home with their unique beauty.
Now you can find out more about this phenomenon right here at JapanEX London.
Whether you bring along your own dolls or are simply a fan wanting to meet some of these beautiful creations, don't miss the doll zone at JapanEX London.
You will be able to meet other enthusiasts, share skills and maybe even pick up a few bits and bobs for your own dolls while you're there.
Don't forget to bring a camera!
TAIKO MEANTIME TO ATTEND JAPANEX LONDON
Taiko Meantime are based in the world Heritage Site of Greenwich, London.
Meantime play original Taiko compositions, but with roots based firmly in a rich bed of traditional taiko rhythms and techniques from all over Japan.
Their performances display a wide variety of physical playing styles, rhythms and musical textures.
They were founded in 2001 with generous support from the Japan2001 festival.
In 2004, they were honoured to perform a series of shows with Hana Yui, three members of the world-renowned Kodo drummers.
In 2005 and 2006 they collaborated with the Henri Oguike Dance Company with whom they are performing to great critical acclaim.
The group is evolving, performing for diverse audiences all over the UK and they continue to inspire those who see them with uplifting music, boundless energy and pure enjoyment of playing Taiko.
More information can be found by visiting: www.taikomeantime.com
TO-KEN SOCIETY TO EXHIBIT ANCIENT JAPANESE AWORDS AND ARMOUR AT JAPANEX LONDON
The Token society of Great Britain is an organisation dedicated to the study and preservation of Japanese swords, fittings and armour.
They have been in existence for over 30 years and enjoy an international reputation for their studious approach to the subject.
Their membership includes corresponding members from all five continents.
Amongst the membership they have a number of restorers who are independent workers rather than being employed by the Society.
These include tsuka-maki shi (hilt wrapper), Saya-shi (scabbard maker), habaki maker, tsuba-makers and a polisher.
Their help and advice is always available via the society and for those who require work done in Japan, their close contacts number some of the best restorers and artisans in the world.
PLAY 'GO' @ JAPANEX LONDON
Go (Igo in Japan, Weiqi in China and Baduk in Korea) originated well over
two thousand years ago in Eastern Asia and is still popular today.
It is an exciting, dynamic game in which both opponents try to secure the
greatest amount of 'territory' on the board.
The basic idea is simple: one must place stones on a board and try to wall off the most territory.
However, the game is more fundamentally about balance on many different levels: attacking versus defending, local position versus global position, securing territory versus gaining influence, playing 'safe' moves versus spreading out stones on
the board, covering a larger area but leaving 'weaknesses' in one's 'shape'.
It has one of the simplest rule sets of any board game and it takes just minutes to learn and children as young as four can master the basics.
Despite this simplicity, Go continues to be considered one of the most difficult games to master because of its strategical complexity.
It is estimated that the number of possible games of Go is much greater than the number of atoms in the universe and today's Go-playing computer programs can't beat reasonably strong amateur players!
Although once played primarily in Eastern Asia, Go is now enjoyed throughout the world and has enjoyed a great upsurge in the West, partially due to the Anime and Manga series, Hikaru no Go.
Where once Western Go players had to travel to Asia to improve their game, the rise of internet Go servers has given
people around the world access to strong opponents and the ability to watch high-level amateur and professional games online.
Unlike many strategy games however, a game of Go between opponents with wildly different skill levels can be enjoyable and challenging to both players.
If the weaker player is allowed to have extra stones at the beginning of the game, even a beginner can beat a player with years of experience.
There are many opportunities to play Go in Britain today; the British Go Association's website www.britgo.org provides information.
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JapanEX London
21 - 22 July 2007
ExCeL
Royal Victoria Dock
London, E16 1XL, UK
MAILING LIST
Click HERE to join our mailing list, be kept up to date on the shows.
SATURDAY: 10am to 5pm
SUNDAY: 10am to 5pm
Adult Ticket:
(15 & above)£10
Child Ticket:
(5 to 14): £5
Infant Ticket:
4 & below FREE entry
Tickets to the JapanEX London can be purchased at the Door each day
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