Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 Highlights

Photo by Storm Stewart

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 had so much to offer, so much that a lot of the great acts were lost in the mishmash of updates but one thing was for sure there were great music acts such as; Lacroix Despheres, WING WORKS, TRy 1, Kuli Kala and the newest metal sensation Lady Baby.

Tabacco Dock being famed for having a large venue with endless rooms had a massive room dedicated to the Ai My Maid cafe where the maids and butlers served food and played games with people on the day. Before the cafe had officially opened they were greeted by a large queue of curious people who were new to the concept and left with a better knowledge of novelty cafes and with t shirts from their new range.

Being a visual kei fan it was refreshing to see Lacroix Despheres, preform (interview coming soon). After bumping into them on my way to the food stalls, I was amazed to see the transition from everyday to kitted out rocking their opera on stage.

Lacroix Despheres

One of my favourite random moments was walking into the hot dog eating contest and seeing a few of my friends on stage competing for the crown of sausage King (or Queen). Seeing the top three scores from three rounds being wittled down to three stop spaces which were 3rd 11, 2nd 12 and the winner eating a whooping 14 sausages, what a beat ! This was no other than one of my friends Arcadio (or Arcade as the host called him) and he was chuffed enough to get a free dinner than a prize on top which was a voucher for a free meal for two inn  a swanky restaurant in London. 

Arcadio ensuing sausage annihilation

Since I had consulted Hyper Japan to bring the newborn metal band to the UK as part to their tour, it was natural I went to the Ladybaby Uk Fanclub meet where I met up with fellow fans. There the founding members had made a birthday book for Rei. There was also a fan made banner which we all signed and and drew pictures on. One fan made birthday t-shirts for a limited number of members to wear and show their appreciation to Rei, sadly I missed out on the t-shirt but the fan gave me their single instead - I never have been so humbled by a kind gesture from a complete stranger. Thank you once again ! We also had one of the youngest members who later was lucky enough to go on stage and present Rei with a birthday rose - it was so adorable. Rei started crying from all the gifts the fanclub presented her. I stood proudly at the front with the other members cheering on the group. (More photos here)

Not everything went to plan at Hyper Japan like the fashion show which left poor fashionista Minori without a translator and poor organisation leading to models walking into each other on stage Let's see some of the good moments in this video including Sake Awards, fashion, stalls, performances and food.

Many thanks to Storm Stewart who Filmed and edited this.

To follow my adventures at conventions, and to read my anime/gaming reviews and see general cat photos follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

^_^ Aisha Anime

Interview with Himezawa

Aspiring cosplayer, Himezawa, came from Germany to the UK at first as a guest at London Anime and Gaming Convention. Since that appearance she decided to study in the UK. Since we last saw Himezawa in the UK she had just signed a contract with Asobi a Japanese modelling company who arranged the Hyper Japan fashion show in 2013.

Since you went to Japan, what have you got up to?

- I had a lot of photoshootings for Japanese street snap sites, designers and make-up lines. I went to various fashion shows and events like Harajuku Kawaii Week, Osaka Kawaii and MoshiMoshiNippon Festival. I also appeared on national television a few times, was in catalogues and released a single. It's been really busy!

What has been your favourite moment in Japan?

- Though I absolutely love my work and I have a lot of great memories on each of them, to me traditional Japan is more enjoyable than pop culture sometimes. I went on a short trip to Kyoto and Nara a few months back and I really enjoyed the quiet side to it. I live in Tokyo, so it's always noisy and always busy, so I love to take job offers from outside the city. A week ago I had the chance to model for a Kimono company in Osaka, and the places we shot in were absolutely breathtaking!

Favourite project you worked on?

- That's without a doubt my debut single!

I never thought I would end up doing music one day, and I mainly wanted to try it, because I love j-pop music a lot. I love singing and I really enjoy dancing, but covering other peoples songs never gave me the chance to express myself fully. I got to write a lot of the lyrics myself, and most of the project was based on my ideas and my script, so it's "the most me" I got to create since I moved to Japan.




You also are a self published author, can you tell us about your book?

- I am not self-published, I have contract with a publisher in Germany.

My first novel "Staubmädchen" (English: "Dust Maiden") released February 2015. It's a mix of SciFi and Fantasy, and the story follows Mister Penber, an agent for the Ministry of Occult Criminal Cases, who meets a young Exorcist while investigating a murder case. Exorcists have been known as nothing but a myth and though he doesn't quite believe her story, Penber follows her to London, that earned its new name "Cursed City" after a terrorist attack a few weeks prior. In the catacombs of Londons former underground he is introduced to other exorcists of the Grey Order, a group of exorcists remaining after the "London Doomsday", the day of the apparent attack. Much later on Penber finds out that it was in fact fate that lead him to the Order and that he plays in fact a bigger role in this scenario than he anticipated.

"Dust Maiden" will have an English release in 2016 (via Best Off Verlag),

Recently you released a single, what inspired your song?

- It's a song about growing. It's about growing up, finding yourself and overcoming hardships that life throws at you. In Japan especially suicide rates are high and the number of shut-ins (Hikkikomori) is extremely high. Many young people have the feeling that they can't live up to to the expectations society has for them, so they chose "a way out". My song "Wagamama Love" (English:Selfish love) is the story of telling your last goodbye, telling your friends and family to forget about you, and letting go.

Now, I want my song to support people who feel alone with my song. To distract them and show them a way out of the negative thinking they are caught in. My song ends with the words "You are not alone.".
You are currently raising money for charity, why have you chosen this charity and what are you hoping to achieve.(write link as well)

Last year I lost someone very close to me to cancer and it was hard for me to accept that I couldn't help that person, no matter how much I wanted to. We grew up together and it made me realize that cancer can hit anyone, no matter how healthy and no matter where from.

I started fundraising because I can't open my PO box to public this year, as I usually do for my birthday / around Christmas anyway. So instead of sending me cards or small gifts, I want to encourage people to donate to the charity.

Last year my followers gave me the chance to go to Japan and follow my dreams, by donating more than 1,000 pounds to my kickstarter campaign, but this year I want to raise money for charity instead. I felt like it was time for me to give something back.

http://www.justgiving.com/himezawa

It's great to see that ones dreams can become a reality with hard work, determination and a little lucky. I can't wait to here how Himezawa is doing next year.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Brighton comic con: live blog

I am on my way to Brighton with hope of meeting one of my favourite vampires in history - James Masters aka Spike. Check back here for live updates about the events. Photos will be added when I get home.

Follow my live photos on twitter: @aisha_anime

One of the main attractions included the attendance of James Masters known for his role of Spike the bad boy vampire in Buffs the Vampire slayer as well as Torchwood and movies.

He shared tables with John Hurt who is famous for many roles including Aliens. Watership Down, Harry Potter the list foes on. Both had talks costing £10 and photo shoots snd costumed shoots.

If you are a horror fan Romero was in attendance again famed for his series of zombie movies Including day of the dead.

If you didn't come for the guests you came for cosplay with a large amount of entries including the ginger bread men, lego man, red shirts from star trek. gambit, judge dredd family and humanoid gundam.

Also most of the two floors of the Halton Metrapole was full of stalls selling comics, sci fi merchendise, anime figures, decoed shoes, plushies and tons of tshirts.

There was definitely something for everyone in the family to enjoy, barring the extreme heat, best to bring a fan and lots of water. Refreshments were being sold throughout the venue which was handy and toilets cleaned regularly - yaay!

October mcm 2015: Friday

London mcm comic con one of the biggest events in the UK, opened their doors to the public today at 10am. With barriers today controlling people coming in snd out the venue and also to stop unruly behaviour on the grass as has happened in the past.

Upon getting your wristbands you enter the world of advertising including Steve Jobs movie, Jet, The Robot and many more.

This Halloween we have the following companies showcasing their games: Rice Digital, Bandai Namco entertainment, NISA, Koei and riding star games.

Cex returned with their famous tentacle chair aswell as a new edition of fluffy feet encrusted chair with the same competition incentive.

Due to high demand the Yogcast had their own section within the Escorts area (Hall opposite main mcm Hall). Where you could queue up, buy merchendise, get it signed then receive a free fall out mask you could post on twitter to be entered into a competition.

You also had a stall called Monkey Merchandise selling fall out items, an Assassin's Creed stall amongst Insert Coin and turtle tees.

One of my favourite moments was seeing ultimate anime fans gushing over Todd Haberkorn, voice of Natsu from Fairy Tale, Watanuki from Xxxholic and more. This was his first London convention and he was greeting by people dressed as characters from anime he worked in and with related merchendise. It was plain to see the London majority praised him for Fairy Tale as they did with Colleen Clickenbeard who played Erza on the anime.

More photos from MCM here.

For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

Let's go to the Caribbean: Animekon Review

Last weekend saw the 6^th annual Animekon, the self-proclaimed largest convention in the Caribbean. My friend Damian decided to go along and report on the event. Thousands of attendees, hundreds of cosplayers and… not much to do. 

"Perhaps I’m a little harsh there were numerous gaming tournaments and several booths with everything you’d expect at a con: food, comics, merch but to say you could see everything on offer in less than half an hour wouldn’t be a stretch. 

Also game companies don’t even see the Caribbean as a region, something local gamers know only too well, so don’t expect to see Sony, Microsoft, et al. in attendance showing off upcoming releases. The only gaming available will be past releases you’ll have to pay up front for the privilege of playing.

Special guests this year included Yaya Han and Kamui Cosplay whom were both amazing and had a couple cosplay panels. Other notable guests were Christian Howard of Street Fighter Assassin’s Fist fame, Calen Hoffman a masterful cosplayer in his own right and authors Lucy A. Snyder and Randy Stradley.  Long Island Joe returned, not a featured guest this time around but that didn’t stop him from having an exhibition match with the champion of the Ultra Street Fighter 4 tournament. There was even a panel and booth from the infamous Full Sail University.

Animekon does have some quirks that sets it apart from other conventions I’ve been to. Perhaps the Karaoke competition isn’t that odd but the annual Kamameha competition must be unique. This year there was also a ramen eating competition as well as a push -up competition of all things. Seeing a group of guys, some in cosplay, doing choreographed push-ups is quite a sight. 

The cosplay tournament was also captivating. Barbados being a small island, it’s difficult to acquire some of the materials that are ubiquitous in cosplay in developed countries like worbla, but that doesn’t stop people from getting creative with fabric and cardboard and whatever else they can lay their hands on.

So all in all Animekon was a good way to spend a weekend I would’ve otherwise been home doing nothing."

For a native this isn't much compared to the London Con's he has attended but for me I can't wait to hit the warmth of the sun and different panels and talks by the top guests.

For more photos from the event go here.

 For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

International Sailor Moon Day UK

Photo Courtesy of Manga Girl Photography

15th August 2015 marked the International Sailor Moon Day across the globe. With events such as thr original voice actress dinging at the American day. Here is a glimpse into the UK festivities.

The meet started at Waterloo station where moonies walked together to St James Park. This was the location where everyone adjusted their outfits.

There were two competitions in place, one for cosplay and fashion inspired outfit. The prize for the cosplay contest were a pair of tickets to London Anime Gamong Convention in February 2016 which were won by a pair of Sailor Uranus and Neptune. The fashion inspired outfit was awarded by myself and Pixie Late to Vicky - who wore a horoscope dress with Sailor Moon collar, Cardigan and SM inspired necklace from the anime who was awarded a SM eyeliner/wand kindly donated by Dreamy Bows - a great online source to buy your official SM goods.

There was also a detailed Sailor Moon quiz devised by the editor of Hitsu magazine, this was won by a group who all received SM lanyards.

The whole group were invited to join in recording a SM vidro message and even preformed a sing along of the English opening theme.

A great way to meet felliw moonies of all ages. We were fortunate to enjoy great weather in the park too.

For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

Nineworlds Geekfest: Monsterclass Publishing - live blogging

One of the most appealing things on the Nineworlds Geekfest schedule for Friday were the array of panels dedicated to publishing. Be it your unbiased novella, shortstop or comic script you could pick the brains of writers, agents and publishers.

I took the chance to listen to John Woodworth and Julie Crisp.

• Less money/sales in shortstories and anthologies 
• Is your book following the latest trend?
• Do you have a niche?
• Approach the relevant publisher that specialises in your genre.
• Traditional publishing is more popular due to gaining a higher percentage for the writer.
• Self published/amazon is great but check the fine print.
• Don't be pretentious market your book as potential for a series.
• Agents want a brand not just a one hit wonder, stick to a genre!
• Get a beta reader (who isn't your mum for honest feedback.
• Editor is helpful but not essential

For more updates on the events follow Nineworlds and myself on Twitter: 

@London_Geekfest 

@Aisha_anime

Buy tickets for Geekfest 2016 here.

Jamie Lee Curtis and family cosplayed as 'Street Fighter' characters to sneak into EVO

Jamie Lee Curtis a professed Street Fighter Fan

Famed Horror Actress from Halloween series, Jamie Lee Curtis, and her family cosplayed as characters from the popular fighting games Street Fighter and Tekken. This was so she and  her son could attend Evolution Championship Series (EVO) currently happening now  in USA. Evo is the the world's largest fighting-game tournament held annually in Las Vegas, this weekend. Curtis chose masked fighter Vega — the perfect way to stay incognito and not get recognised by fans.

People only realised she was in anttendance after she revealed all on her twitter account about how much fun she had whilst tagging the EVO event account. Curtis has declared her love for Street Fighter in the past, saying she picked it up because of her son and even refers to planing to take her son  to EVO this year ina recent interview as his graduation present.

Curtis adds that her favorite character in Street Fighter is tough military chick Cammy, who appears in the upcoming Street Fighter V game.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Summer London Anime & Gaming Con 2015

Harajuku fashion show

We have hit the July the month for back to back conventions, it started off with London Anime & Gaming con. This one is held locally in London at the Metropolitan University and Rocket Complex. Due to popularity Anime League have used more parts of the building to accommodate more attendees and entertainment.

I actually ran and hosted the Harajuku Fashion show; with a new stage team, we dealt with the late start due to previous performers diva-ish attitudes causing issues and sound difficulties but the models hit the stage like pros. We had a selection of Gal, Gothic Lolita, Punk, Visual Kei, and Steampunk. The Steampunk section was in collaboration with The Toggery UK bringing an insight into steampunk fashion.

Special thanks to League of Extraordinary Cosplayers for this photo of me & Ani-mia

Most of the highlights of the event were the panels for me including the body confidence talk with American Cosplayer Ani-mia who was very open in telling the attendees to cosplay for themselves and to promote confidence. Not only that Ani-mia also did a cosplay group photo with all her fans int eh courtyard as a lovely souvenir for all the attendees to remember her by. If she wasn't at her booth selling signed prints and generally chatting to people she was out and about doing interviews, photo shoots and judging the cosplay contest with fellow judges Enja Cosplay and Kerri Louise.

Mojo Jones and Marcus "dice wizard" Gill also did a panel on how the geek community has helped them with mental and social disorders. Alot of attendees came to listen and also share their experiences and supported. Mojo later preformed a saucy burlesque show with Dixie Rocket and two new ladies.

Mojo Jones & Marcus talking about Mental Illness

There was also a new panel for blogging in the Geek community which featured Eddie from Food and Cosplay (tumblr expert), Becca from League of Extraordinary Cosplayers(photographer), Sophie from Sophie's Japan Blog(twitter expert) and me Aisha Anime (veteran blogger). We shared our insight into social media and blogging. You write about what you like and do so for fun not free stuff. if you prove yourself or get notice you can gain benefits. This isn't a profession that can sustain you more of a hobby.

Last but not least was Mike Pollock, the voice of Dr Robotnik/Eggman he was scheduled for signings in the TCG room where fans brought their collection of Sonic and Pokemon memorabilia to get signed. Some of the interesting items were hand painted canvas shoes, a water colour drawing, tins of Evil Ham and a metro article about Mike but calling his character Dr Eggplant. Him and his family roamed around the con and were happy to take photos and sign things.

The event was small and intimate where everyone virtually knew each other but had so much fun catching up with friends. The array of guests including British cosplayers in attendance was excellent. There were two stages of great entertainment including the charity cosplay auction, dub that anime at the bar stage and even Karaoke as-well as the gaming building. Alongside great stalls to purchase your merchandise and snacks.

See more of my photos here.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

London Super Comic Con 2015

London Super Comic Con has been the most understated UK convention in my opinion, with its debut in the  2012 - the convention focuses on U.S and European creators, exhibitors, publishers and dealers for comics, merchandise and now cosplay. It was only when cosplay sensation Yaya Han flew to the UK in 2014 to be judge of the Cosplay contest did the convention get a burst of new attendees.

2014 was my first LSCC and I was impressed by the number of comic guests that attended including the creators of The Walking Dead, Johnathan Ross, Yaya Han Riddle's Messy Closet. This year was no less and winners of the last LSCC cosplay contest returned as guests - Nikita and Annashella.

This years event had a variety of news things such as the Sy-Fy booth where you could get a 360 degree angle video of you in your cosplay for free! You got the video emailed to yourself and received a Sy-Fy tote bag and goodies including a book, dvd and sweets.

People had to get free tickets in order to see Johnathan Ross self proclaimed geek/otaku who was promoting his new comic book at the event. He happily chatted to his fans, signed items and posed for photos. In the queue with us to see him was Johnny Vegas, comedian and actor who came as an attendee with his son. Amongst Wossy you all had featured guest Sean Kelly alongside co stars from Storage Hunters there signing prints and taking selfies.

The great thing about LSCC was most of the guests were free to get autographs and photos with. There was a cosplay area where Yaya Han, Kamuii Cosplay, Laura Sindell, Tabatha Lyons from Artyfakes, and many more where situated so everything was laid out quite well. The press desk was made into the Daily Bugle building from Super Man - never were props thought out so well.

See more of my photos here.

Buy tickets to the next LSCC here - http://www.londonsupercomicconvention.com/

For more news on Japanese culture, events, games and all types of geekery check out my Facebook and Twitter. ^_^ Aisha Anime

Harajuku Girls: Interview with the Cast

After watching the play Harajuku Girls I got thinking to how the actors related to the roles as the production was made up on an entirely pan-asian cast. We talk about Japanese culture and panties!

Haruka Abe 

Having being born in Japan and going to drama school as a child - Could you relate to your role?

I am incredibly lucky because growing up my parents were always supportive of me pursuing whatever dreams I wanted to pursue, but I do know a lot of people who had to give up their dreams because they are not considered as legitimate/respectable careers.

Have you ever cosplayed?

In fact, yes! I'm a massive geek and used to go to all the big cons and festivals, and I made many cosplay outfits but never found the courage to wear them out. My favourite outfit I made was of Reiha from Vampire Miyu.


Do you think having a young face is a blessing or a curse for acting roles?

Haha, I don't think I'm as old as you think I am! But I don't see having a young face is hindering me. Ask me again in 20 years and I might have a different answer for you, or worse you might not want to bring up the topic at all ;)


Looking at all three girls why do you think Marie clung to Keiko rather than Yumi ?

Mari really loves them both, but I think she sees Keiko as an ideal self; she is the cool, free-spirited popular girl who gets away with doing whatever she wants. On the other hand, Yumi is the girl she would have been if she hadn't met Keiko; a shy and nerdy girl who is conformed to her parents' wishes. So of course she is more drawn to Keiko, because she wants to be more like her.

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Elizabeth Tan 

Was it a change playing this role compared to your past roles like in Coronation street/Waterloo Road ?

Yes, Keiko is far more damaged and out of control than Xin (Corrie) and Princess (Waterloo Road). It was exciting to play such a tumultuous character with such an emotional journey.

If given the chance to do a photoshoot would you sport, a cosplay outfit or Japanese Fashion?

I would do Cosplay!

Do you think your character got a fair conclusion?

There were always going to be ramifications for Keiko's actions. For Keiko, beneath the tough facade was a desperate fear and insecurity about her future. Perhaps she never got the love and support she needed at that difficult time.

Looking at all three girls why do you think Keiko hated Yumi so much?

I don't think Keiko hated Yumi. Yumi was just a constant reminder of what Keiko needed but didn't have - a loving supportive family.


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Sadao Ueda

Were you aware of 'Otaku' fetish before doing this role?

I do know some Otaku people. Otaku doesn’t mean they are perverts at all. For example, train spotters, they are train Otaku. Otaku is someone who is fanatical about one particular thing. Panty Shop Owner is an Otaku who has vast knowledge of used uniforms and underwear. But Mr Narita and Mr Nakamura are not Otaku. They are just a bit wierd.

The underwear scene was quite shocking - do you think this would happen in real life?

I would say welcome to the real world. I have seen many things you may not want to know.

Playing your two different characters in the play - did you feel females take advantage of men's perverse fantasies in Japan?

I actually play 3 characters. I do not believe female sex workers are taking advantage of men’s perverse fantasy. It is a business. Someone selling fantasies, and someone buying them. Personally, I did not think Mari did anything wrong. She needed money for good reason, and she earned it. Her parents couldn’t bear the thought of her working in an image club, because their morals wouldn’t accept it. It’s like a cigarette, it is not illegal to smoke, but many people hate it. Many campaign urges to stop smoking, but they never stop selling them.

Just for your information, there are places called “Host Clubs” in Japan. Female customers visit there to be treated like princess by good looking male escorts. So, it’s not only Japanese men who have perverse fantasies.

Harajuku Girls is running till the 21st March 2015 at Finborough Theatre, buy your tickets now!

Interview with Kelly Jean and Jessica Nigri

I had the pleasure to interview cosplayers Kelly Jean  and Jessica Nigri at London MCM Expo October 2014, they discuss favourite cosplays to hanging out in London.

http://youtu.be/mcLFiADCx2o

Hosted by - Aisha Anime

Filmed and edited by - League of Extraordinary Cosplayers

For more news on events/cosplay/anime/game reviews follow me on Twitter and Facebook ^_^

Review: Harajuku Girls

Harajuku Girls is Nicholas Goh and Papergang Theatre's debut production. It's written by Northern Irish/Japanese playwright Francis Turnly (currently resident writer at the Tricycle Theatre) and directed by Jude Christian (2013 winner of the National Theatre Studio Bursary).

The cast is made up on an entirely East Asian cast, starring Elizabeth Tan (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road ), Haruka Abe (Cyber Bully, Cucumber) and Kunjue Li (Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders).  From first glance or the manga style art on the flyers you may think this play is about fun loving fashionistas, this isn't the case at all.

We follow three girls finishing school and waiting to find out there exam results to see which University they would get into. Yumi is the young loving un-popular girl who is often insulted and shunned by Keiko the pretty and popular girl. Marie is the mediator between the both and wants them all to get on. Keiko comes from a divorced family which is rumored to have made her behavior spiral out of control and made her into the wild child she is. 'Rumours' is an important factor cover int eh play how society watches the youths and passes judgement.

Marie is desperately trying to get into acting school but her father does not approve and refuses to pay the fees. Keiko gives her a way to make money herself through prostitution or fantasy hotels. After watching the 'Love Hotel' recently on tv I was very aware of these concepts and it was in fact a part of Japanese lifestyle just hidden very well.

Somehow these adolescents leave there carefree lives from cosplaying and Japanese fashion at Harajuku street to club nights picking up rich old men - which Keiko does with skill, Marie does out of desperation. There is always a cut out point for Marie so she can pay for acting school and get out, Keiko has no goal this is just a means to end and being good at her job is then only thing that seems to matter.

This play is a great demonstration of fringe theater actors play double roles from Marie's father playing as a sleazy man wanting some fun with her. Yumi is also the innocent friend who later plays one of the fantasy girls in the hotel.

I certainly loved all the cosplay's used and shown from nurse uniforms to Sailor Moon inspired outfits they have kept to the roots of even using Yen as currency on stage. Also the soundtrack used for scene changes was great contemporary mix of Kyari Pamyu Pamyu and Baby Metal amongst Japanese cover songs as well.

In the words of an Otaku the play develops from innocence to fan service and then feels. You couldn't help but laugh at points and also feel deep empathy. Fantastic acting from the cast especially from Haruka Abe playing the tormented lead Marie. I thoroughly enjoyed the play and look forward to more productions from Papergang theatre.

Running till 21st March - buy tickets here.

Harajuku Girls - Theatre production

"I don’t know a girl who hasn’t been groped on a train. There’s always someone trying to cop a feel. Might as well get paid for it."

Harajuku Girls tells the story of three young Japanese women desperate to pursue their dreams, despite the obstacles that society and tradition put in their way. A play about friendship, fantasy, fashion and what it means to be free. Opens at the Finborough Theatre (Earl's Court Area) for a four week limited season on Tuesday, 24 February 2015.

On Jingu Bridge in Tokyo, teenage girls dress in cosplay outfits for fun, fashion, and the fantasy of being someone else, but now their schooldays are over. Mari wants to be an actor but her father has other plans, Keiko's found a harmless moneymaker - a "compensated relationship" with an older man and Yumi hopes she can get married one day and escape the dreary world of work . As the three young women grow up and apart, they tread the fine line between empowerment and victimhood in a desperate search for independence and the freedom to pursue their dreams.

Jude Christian directs the world premier of this provocative and powerful new play by award-winning playwright Francis Turnly which takes us down the neon-lit streets and forbidden passageways of Tokyo where fantasy and reality can often become blurred. Irish-Japanese playwright Francis Turnly's previous plays include Hiding (Watford Palace Theatre), Descent (Jackson’s Lane) and Bogland (Irish tour). He has written several plays for Radio 4, recent work includes Brought to Light, Homestead and Point of Departure as well as the original detective drama, Hinterland. Francis has been a member of the Royal Court’s studio, Unheard Voices and ‘the 50’ writers’ groups.

Director Jude Christian was the 2013 winner of the National Theatre Studio Bursary for Emerging Directors. Direction includes How Do You Eat An Elephant? (National Youth Theatre of Wales), I'd Rather Goya Robbed Me Of My Sleep Than Some Other Arsehole (Gate Theatre London, Boom Arts Portland), Happy and The Mushroom (Pentabus Young Writers Festival) to just name a few.

Buy Tickets Here.

~Aisha Anime~

Already the press has been booming on the show : “A sinewy, masculine text, given a remarkable production” Four Stars, Maddy Costa, The Guardian.

“The strange inner world...is strikingly drawn out by Christian’s production, which has created a captivating visual and aural landscape...this arresting production makes its searching, impotent fury feel uncannily resonant.” Catherine Love, Exeunt Magazine.

“The uncertainty as to whether this trip is about to happen, has happened, or exists only in the man’s whirling imagination is increased in Jude Christian’s inventively bizarre staging” Sarah Hemming, The Financial Times.

Can't do the pose for you Cosplay? use an iPad instead

The Cosplay and Anime likeness gap has been filled by the technology of tablets. Can't get that super kawaii smile, let's substitute it with the real thing.


Take one cosplay, add a tablet with the right size of your supposed to be face and snap happy !

I found these photos on twitter belonging to Kasyuu which were now retweeted over eleven thousand times to date. She take an awesome cosplay and substitutes her own face for that of the actual anime character resized on her iPad created a great viral photo

Character: Eli Ayase

Series: Love Live 

Find more anime related news on Twitter and Facebook.

~Aisha Anime~

The Cosplaying Guinea Pig Family

I absolutely love the cosplayers of the animal world (as long as no cruelty is inflicted). It takes a lot of hard work to make the outfits and getting the pet to sit still or not destroy it within seconds so I commend all owners who get that far to do photoshoots. 

Today is a new kind of cosplaying animal I have come across, a lady called Ayu on Twitter has posted up a series of photos from different anime series of her family of Ginea pigs in cosplay clad and loving it.


Not only has Ayu done a great job with the outfits she has even added props and some photo-shopping for added effect.

Meet Kintoki (male) and his mate Chikuwa (female), and their lovely daughter Menma!

Animes cosplaying from include: One Piece, Mario, Chun Li from Street fighter, Girls Und Panzer and Usagi from Sailor Moon.

More updates from me on Twitter & Facebook        ~Aisha Anime~

Hyper Japan announces new Venues for 2015

After the phenomenal successes of both our summer and winter events in 2014, HYPER JAPAN is set to delight visitors yet again this year in two new events: the HYPER JAPAN Festival on July 10-12th at The O2, and an up-scaled Christmas Market on November 27-29th at London Tobacco Dock. Both events will carry on the true HYPER JAPAN spirit of bringing visitors the best in Japanese cuisine, culture, entertainment and much more; combining old favourites with never-before seen exhibitors and cutting-edge performers.

The HYPER JAPAN Festival 2015 will be a dynamic summer fiesta, offering fun activities for all the family. Our much-loved sake tasting event will make a comeback, along with other Eat-Japan staples including cookery demonstrations and seminars, delicious street food and gorgeous confections. Big names in gaming such as entertainment giant Nintendo will feature in our HYPER Game & Anime Park, where pre-release demos as well as long-established titles will be available for fans to play and enjoy. Our spectacular bi-annual fashion show, which showcases the latest Japanese street fashion trends, will be powered up to include more creative and diverse ensembles than ever before. Other onstage entertainment will include: Cosplay competitions and parades; fascinating talks on a range of Japanese cultural topics; and sizzling musical displays from a star-studded line-up of Japanese talent. Our 3,000 capacity concert house at The O2’s Building Six will be the first in HYPER JAPAN history, and will be an undoubted highlight of this extraordinary cultural festival.

November’s Christmas Market will offer plenty of shopping opportunities in the extensive Tobacco Dock venue, whose picturesque setting creates an enchanting Christmassy atmosphere for festive shoppers in search of unique gifts. Dozens of businesses from both Japan and the UK will be showcasing the best quality Japanese goods this side of the Pacific, while our range of exquisite cuisine, exciting stage shows and all-star guests are not to be missed either! What’s more, delicious and innovative sushi will dazzle visitors once again as we play host to a team of elite chefs for our latest sushi attraction. Amazing entertainment, gourmet dining, fashion, gaming and retail combine to make HYPER JAPAN’s Christmas Market 2015 a must-visit event in everyone’s winter calendar.

HYPER JAPAN announces two new locations for the events this year:

HYPER JAPAN Festival at The O2, July 10-12th

Christmas Market at London's Tobacco Dock, November 27-29th.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hyperjapan
Twitter: @hyperjapanevent
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/hyperjapanofficial
2014 Event Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed410tP9Oso
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hyperjapanofficial