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Two Manga-related Talks in London in December

Two manga-related talks will take place in London in December. On Friday December 2, The Japan Foundation in Russell Squre (map) is holding a talk on Japanese characters from manga, anime and games, given by Hiroyuki Aihara, President of the Character Research Institute. Aihara is also the curator of the upcoming Kingdom of Characters exhibition which will be held in Norwich from next February.

According to the site, Aihara's illustrated talk will explore “the loving relationship between Japanese society and characters, mapping it in an historical context. The impact that such characters have had, both upon Japanese society and on global society, shall also be discussed. Audience members are encouraged to wear or carry their favourite character as a tribute!” The talk begins at 6.30 p.m. Admission is free, but places must be reserved by emailing your name. and the title of the talk (Japan: Kingdom of Characters) to the following email: [email protected]

Also, manga and anime commentator Helen McCarthy will be speaking about early manga at the Swiss Cottage Library (map) on Monday December 12, 6.30 p.m., though this talk is not yet listed on the library's events page as of writing. McCarthy is the author of numerous books on manga and anime, including The Art of Osamu Tezuka God of Manga. She is also the co-author of The Anime Encyclopedia.