News

Manga and Anime Exhibition in Norwich February 2012

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich will host a manga and anime exhibition, called Kingdom of Characters, from Saturday February 4 to June 3. Admission is free. The Main Gallery of the Sainsbury Centre is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays to Sundays, but it is closed on Mondays. There will also be related anime cinema screenings and a study day on the subject of "kawaii" (see below).

According to the exhibition webpage:

This vibrant exhibition offers the chance to encounter characters from television, computer games and comics. Kingdom of Characters comes to the Sainsbury Centre following displays in Manila and Sydney. It will give fans the chance to come face-to-face with some of their favourite characters, including human-sized Ultraman, Pikachu and a Hello Kitty ‘skipping’ through the gallery.

As well as 3D characters, the exhibition includes graphic illustrations and even a room-set of a teenager's Hello Kitty bedroom. The set has also been specially designed by the Sainsbury Centre to allow younger visitors the chance to peep into the room, which is decorated with merchandise featuring Kitty in her many manifestations, from duvetcover to alarm clock. Anime screenings and graphic illustrations are included in the exhibition and create a context for the visiting characters

The event is being organised by The Japan Foundation. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is located on the University of East Anglia campus to the west of Norwich (directions).

There will also be a "Study Day" event on Friday March 9, entitled Too Kawaii: The Power of the Super Cute. Details are here. According to the webpage:

Join leading regional exponents and experts from Japan to explore the global phenomena of kawaii or 'cute'. In Japan the popularity of kawaii crosses all ages and walks of life, dominating Japanese visual culture. The style covers everything from consumer goods and fashion to typography and architectural design. Find out about the history and visual language of kawaii and how it has influenced the way we view the wider world.

Unlike the exhibition, the study day is not free (except for students) and tickets are limited. A ticket costs £10 (£8 concessions, free for students). The event will run from 11 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. The Sainsbury Centre's information and ticket number is 01603 593199 and its email is [email protected]

On Saturday March 24, there will be an "After Hours: Kingdom of Characters" event involving live music, games and a cosplay competition (full details here). It will run from 6 p.m. until midnight. A ticket costs £10 (£8 concessions, including students).

There will also be a trio of anime screenings at Cinema City in Norwich. The screenings will all be at 8.30 p.m., and will be presented by guest speakers. The films will be:

Monday March 5: Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (details).

Monday April 2: Summer Wars (PG) (details)

Monday April 30: Origins: Spirits of the Past (12) (details)

Monday May 28: Afro Samurai (18) (details)