What we’re about
Formerly Manchester Comics Society, as someone whose adolescence consisted of delving into the worlds of graphical print and animation, originating from the Western and Eastern continents, I wish to expand this group to include manga and anime related social activities!
Some current idea's are to visit comic conventions, such as the long established annual Comic Con Manchester, and closely related anime cons within the city, with plans already underway to head to the Anime and Gaming Con at Sudgen Sports Centre. We'll be taking advantage of the odd occasion when a beloved bookstore hosts a new comic/manga series launch and author's Q&A talk. Catching the latest of anything still decent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and cherry picking the good from the ugly in downtown DC. Brunches at Maid Cafe's and strolling around nerdy shops to pick up some much needed fan merch. Having nerdy discourse and debate at a gaming bar!
Even though it has experienced a massive surge in the past two decades, the culture revolving around cartoons is still a pretty niche one, so if anybody has any suggestions of what we could do as graphic novel enthusiasts and beyond, please let us know and it could soon feature as a future event!
If anyone is keen on organising events within a shared co-hosting role, please feel free to drop us a message about becoming an Events Organiser, we would love to have you on board!
Please be aware, photography will be taken at our events. If you wish to not be part of this, please let an organiser know.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Raku Con 2025: Japanese Pop Culture + Afterparty @ Pendulum Hotel (Sat 16th Aug)Pendulum Hotel, Manchester M1 3BB
The start time for our meetup (3pm) is much later than the opening time (which is at 10am) to encompass the fact that we'd be heading to the anime and emo afterparty (9pm-3am) so will need to save some energy for the end of the day/night!
Schedule:
Raku Con MeetUp: 3-6pm
Dinner and drinks at Kampus: 6-9pm
Anime and emo afterparty at Mother Mary's: 9-3amLet's meet inside the venue near the entrance, cosplay outfit completely optional! :B
Raku Con tickets: Nab it here!
Raku Con Afterparty tickets: From 9-3am at Mother Mary's!
Raku Con Instagram: Click here!
Raku Con venue and food/drink details: Click me!
History of Raku Con:
"RakuCon is a Japanese Popular Culture convention organised by Raku Events, an events company founded by a cosplayer (Kay), and an artist (Jake). RakuCon is a vibrant, cosy, fun and safe event for all attendees and artists with plenty to enjoy over the exciting weekend!
The first RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 20th - 21st August 2022.
The second RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 12th - 13th August 2023. RakuCon was back, bigger and better than before. We partnered with Nintendo UK to host the Splatoon 3 European Championships 2023 UK & Ireland, extended our event space at Pendulum Hotel & Conference Centre and hosted our very first cosplay competition.
The third RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 17th - 18th August 2024. This was the first time we had a fully dedicated game room with both video and board games! We further expanded our event space and hosted opening and closing ceremonies as well.
RakuCon will return in 2025 on the 16th - 17th August at Pendulum Hotel. This year we’re looking to go even bigger and we’re so excited to show you what we have planned! Are you Raku ready?!"
- Japan Week 2025 @ Manchester Central Library + HOME (Sunday 7th September)Manchester Central Library, Manchester
Manchester has been chosen as the host city of the prestigious Japan Week, a Japanese cultural event taking place in a different city annually so let's give it's 50th anniversary a hearty welcome to our very own shores!
- Firstly, we'll be making our way to Manchester Central Library from 2-4:30pm, where they will be showcasing the following:
"Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations: Central Library
Visit Manchester Central Library this Japan Week to learn more about leading Japanese destinations from EXPO 2025 in Osaka to hidden gems which will inspire your next visit.
You can also view incredible exhibitions and performances from Japanese artists and join in with workshops to give you a taste of traditional Japanese culture right here in Manchester.No need to book tickets, this event is free to attend."
Click here for more details about the exhibitions and workshops
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We'll then have dinner and drinks at Society, Wetherspoons or someplace else nearby from 4:30-6:30pm, depending on where people want to go (democratic voting to take place there and then!)
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Lastly, we'll head over to HOME for the 7-10pm showing where Japanese performances and dances will be held (please book your essential free ticket, I have booked mine at the STALLS in seat G17 so book yours nearby if you wish to be sat together for the shows before they're all gone!)
Click here to book your seat for Sunday 7th in advance!
So, in short, the schedule looks like this:
- 2-4:30pm: Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations @ MCR Central Library
- 4:30-6:30pm: Dinner and drinks @ Society, Wetherspoons or someplace else
- 7-10pm: Japanese performances @ HOME
Look forward to seeing you Nipponese enthusiasts there! ^o^
