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 ^_^

Models/Designers/Photographers/MUA's wanted for Harajuku Fashion show 2016

Photos from the last LAGC on http://www.darkangelphoto.net/

Hello all my creative friends ^_^

Once again we will be hosting a Fashion show celebrating Japanese fashion this coming February 2016. On Sat 6th Feb - because it is called the 'Harajuku Fashion Show' we are showcasing great creativity from fashionistas or fashion enthusiasts to put their twists on stage.

What we are looking for:

*Models - styling together there own Japanese Style including: Lolita/punk/gothic/visual kei/fairy kei/roccoco/creepy cute/hime/rave/sweet/classic/kimino/mori/prince/decora/gyaru/yomamba.


*Designers - to showcase their Japanese style or fusion rage of clothing/accessories.


*Makeup Artists/hairstylists - not afraid to try bold looks or soft and natural for mori styles


What you get out of this:


All Models, hair stylists, makeup artists, Designers, will receive a free entry ticket to the event on Saturday 6th Feb 2016. Since this is an event you will be able to walk around freely and watch other stage events, look at the merchandise, access the bar, watch movies, play games - including the after party.


Models: You will get at least two digital professional photos of you in your outfit for your portfolio and many cat walk photos and from backstage.
Hair stylists/Makeup artists: you get to practice your skills and also obtain photos for your portfolio
Designers: Showcase your pieces on a catwalk


If you are interested, please message me with the information listed below ^_^
Application Form:

Name:
Modelling name:
Gender:
Description of proposed outfits(s):
Photo of outfit or something similar.


Please message me on:
the anime league forum - @Aisha
email - doomed.prinny@gmail.com
twitter: @aisha_anime

Villiany has no Bounds for Mike Pollock (interview)

In tribute to the passing away of acclaimed Japanese voice actor Chikao Ohtsuka earlier this year who voiced Dr Eggman/Robotnik.  The long standing American voice, Mike Pollock came to attend LAGC this year in July.

Dr Eggman/Robotnik is the villain from the Sega game series Sonic which later spun off into various cartoons, animated shows and games to where it’s fame acquired English dubbing for international release. Mike Pollock returns to LAGC, Pollock is an American voice actor who been praised for voicing Doctor Eggman in the dubbed Sonic the Hedgehog series. Despite being cast as long time villain Dr Eggman this has not type cast Pollock in anyway and he has excelled in many other roles. Also playing many well-known characters in anime including Raoul Contesta, Cheren, Drayden, interim narrator in Pokémon, Meat in Ultimate Muscle, Langston Lickatoad in Viva Piñata, Suikyou in Ikki Tousen, General Blanque in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mitsuru Minowa in Magic User's Club and Beast in the motion comic adaptation of Astonishing X-Men. Having featured in over 50 titles and games - currently working on Norse Noir: Loki's Exile, Chapter I.

Watch my interview here:

No doubt you are sure to have encountered Mike in knowingly or not in your childhood in tv shows to adulthood like Burger King adverts.

On his website he even writes his own reviews of anime and games whether he’s in them or not and any fan would love to know his take on our geeky favourites.

Find out more about Pollock’s past projects or even contact him about your own on http://www.itsamike.com/

Special thanks to LAGC for the interview and Sickmuse for editing it.

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

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 ^_^