Following the launch of the English version of AkibaBlog, another English otaku news/community website, Akibanana.com, has been launched on Valentine's Day. The full press release can be found here.

Introducing Otaku culture in Akihabara to the world

HimeyaSoft USA has started the English version of AkibaBlog, which introduces "Otaku" culture in Akihabara, since February 14, 2008. Site URL: http://en.akibablog.net/

This is a translated version of AkibaBlog, originally written in Japanese by Mr. Geek.. He talks about "hot" news in Akihabara, one of the most popular subculture cities in Japan. The Japanese version of AkibaBlog, which has 20 million page views a month, is one of the most famous blogs in Japan that talk about Otaku information. AkibaBlog and HimeyaSoft USA get together this time and try to become world's leading information source of Otaku culture.

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Top 10 manga (2/13) according to Tohan:

1. Naruto (41)
2. Bleach (32)
3. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (18)
4. Gintama (22)
5. Eyeshield 21 (28)
6. Tegami Bachi (3)
7. Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro (15)
8. Dr. Koto Shinryojo (22)
9. Bartender (10)
10. Hatsukoi Limited (1)

Additional Rankings:

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Comic Techno, a monthly magazine from Deleter that contains doujinshi information and useful manga-drawing techniques, will cease publication after the release of issue 172, on sale 3/15. According to Deleter, one of the reason behind Comic Techno's discontinuation is due to the skyrocketing price of oil and other goods.

Source: Ultimatum

Top 10 manga (2/06) according to Tohan:

1. Boku no Hatsukoi o Kimi ni Sasagu (10)
2. Naruto (41)
3. Bleach (32)
4. Himitsu (4)
5. Shakugan no Shana (4)
6. Gaku (4)
7. 7 Seeds (12)
8. Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu (1)
9. Bokurano (8)
10. Jyuushin Enbu - Hero Tales (2)

Additional Rankings:

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Canned Dogs is reporting that issue 10 of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday (2/6) will offer its readers a chance to obtain an alarm clock featuring Sanzenin Nagi, the heroine from Hayate the Combat Butler:

[The] alarm clock which will have the voice of Sanzenin Nagi from Hayate no Gotoku waking you up every morning. It only costs 980 yen (US$9) including shipping costs (Japan only).

Top 10 manga (1/30) according to Tohan:

1. Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE (22)
2. Mahou Sensei Negima! (21)
3. Jyuushin Enbu - Hero Tales (2)
4. Detective Conan (60)
5. Boku no Hatsukoi o Kimi ni Sasagu (10)
6. Fairy Tale (8)
7. Inuyasha (52)
8. V.B. Rose (11)
9. Boku o Tsutsumu Tsuki no Hikari (5)
10. Hayate the Combat Butler (14)

Additional Rankings:

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Japanese otaku/doujin shop Toranoana has released its 2007 Tora Annual Books Ranking. Below are the top 20 titles (out of 200):

1. DDD
2. Hayate the Combat Butler
3. Lucky Star
4. Shingetsutan Tsukihime
5. Haruhi Suzumiya
6. Doujin Works
7. KimiKiss -various heroines-
8. Fate/stay night
9. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS
10. Touhou Gumonshiki ~ Perfect Memento in Strict Sense

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Top 10 manga (1/16) according to Tohan:

1. Worst (19)
2. Detective Conan (60)
3. Hanma Baki (11)
4. To-LOVE-Ru (7)
5. Pyuu to Fuku! Jaguar (14)
6. Hanma Baki 10.5 Gaiden Pick
7. Hayate the Combat Butler (14)
8. Mx0 (7)
9. Eensy-Weensy Monster (2)
10. Nodame Cantabile (19)

Additional Rankings:

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Canned Dogs reports that users of 2channel have voted for the best eromanga of 2007, and the results are in:

1st place
Cannon sensei tobashisugi

2nd place
Itsumo kimi wo kanjiteru
Trouble Scramble!
Giri giri Sisters

[...]

Also, otaku blog Ikimashou.net is celebrating its 2nd anniversary.

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