Okinawa Day 2014

A friend of mine asked me if I was free 21st June to go to Okinawa day. this was something I had never heard of of. Okinawa is a prefecture made up of thousands of islands, south of Kyushu. The largest Island is named Okinawa Shima, or Okinawa Island, the mission of Okinawa Association U.K and London Okinawa Sanshinkai who organise the event is to promote Okinawan culture further in the U.K in order to strengthen our existing relationship between the U.K and Okinawa.

This event has occurred annually since 2009 in the Uk and they hope to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Okinawa through the annual events. They also encourage more and more U.K audiences to participate in future Okinawa related events and to create an Okinawa cultural hub in the UK. 

This particular Okinawa day is before the 23rd June which is a memorial day in Okinawa to commemorate the final battle day where more than 200.000 lives were lost at the end of WWll. 

Okinawa Day was held outside at Spittlefield market in London to celebrate Okinawan culture with a variety of events. They demonstrate the spirit of Uta-no-hi (A day of Songs) started in Okinawa in 2001 by BEGIN, a popular blues band. Uta-no-hi's purpose is to appreciate and celebrate Uta (Songs) which bring joy to their lives as well as to help overcome the hardships of life. 

We had a great demonstration of Okinawan dancing with drummers and they even did a workshop to show audience members how to do the dance and drum.It was great to see a huge range of people in the audience from young children to the older generation coming to learn and immerse themselves in the culture

So we had a variety of singers perform folk songs, Jpop songs and had a great ensemble with Hide the Guitar player with Hibiki the top Shamishen player in the UK and Akari singing her harmonious melodies.

We also had some live Karete demonstrations which showed stances with different weapons and also a display of strength with the demonstrators withstanding bamboo sticks.

Hide, Akari and Hibiki

Amongst the entertainment they also had delicious food on sale including Nice Ice - perfect for the hot weather, Taponyaki (octopus balls) and even a Tea ceremony demonstration for people to participate it. 

Alongside the food they had lots of stalls selling merchandise including key rings, fans, plushes, flower headbands and a few travel agents including Japan Journey's offering bespoke holidays to suit your interests at reasonable prices. Why not indulge in a manga orientated tour ? Go tohttp://www.japanjourneys.co.uk/site/ for more information on planning your perfect Japanese holiday.

Poppy Daisy Handmade Flower Headbands 

Poppy Daisy Handmade Flower Headbands happened to have been set up in the area where lots of ladies and children jumped at the chance to adorn their heads in flowers. She sold flower headbands, clips anything to do with flowers. Selling them for six years, the owner is from Sweden, where it is traditional to use flowers in celebrations. Buy some of her creations online from poppydaisy.com  as well as popping into Spittlefield market on a Saturday.

It was a great family day out and entry was free!

~Aisha Anime ~

For more photos of the event go here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.658360670885051.1073741836.554115554642897&type=3

For more information on the organisations involved or the day itself go to:

http://www.okinawaday.org.uk/

Easter Lolita meet in Geffrye Museum

All the ladies in a lineup in the Geffrye Museum Gardens

Since it was Easter it seemed apt to have a themed Lolita meet up - Sarah the host had planned the meet up at the lovely state house Geffrye Museum in the heart of London, Shorditch. Lolita's traveled from all over England from the meet including Oxford.

After a relaxed walk around the museum soaking in the Victorian reconstruction of rooms and paintings, everyone popped outside for a picnic lunch. Then A few of the Lolita's went to hide some Easter eggs for an Easter Egg hunt. There were three contests, one for the person who found the most eggs, second for the best Easter themed outfit and lastly best general outfit.

Sofia collected the most eggs at a whooping 25, second was Nat at 23 and since Sofia is Vegan she gave first prize (Easter Egg) to an extremely happy Nat. Best Easter theme outfit went to Sofia who again gave her egg to second place and last was best non theme outfit was a tie between Nat and Natalie so they got an Easter Egg each. We then took the time to get some great photos outside in the picturesque gardens including some martial arts skits.

Everything was rounded off with a quick bus ride to Spittle-fields market for a cream tea at Patisserie Valerie and a look around the market. A lot of people did look and a few asked for photos, it's nice when people come together for fashion. I spoke to Lotte who said it was great to be able to wear Lolita fashion and feel comfortable in a group. I highly recommend your local small meets to introduce yourselves and meet people for the same area and passion for fashion.

Find more photos here of the Easter Meet -http://on.fb.me/1ycErAV

For the latest news in gaming, cosplay, anime, fashion follow me on Twitter and Facebook ^_^

Aisha Anime

Shaun The Sheep spotted in London

Ah ha first shaun statue found was located outside Urban Outfitter in Covent Garden, London, thanks for the Tip Kellsey Ellison! The print was based on Cath Kidson ^_^

Second Shaun near the pagoda at China Town nearest to China Town mall. This pattern included dragons as Shaun's iris a nd the whole body modelled in traditional Pottery.

Baa-bushka was sighted off Carnaby Street - what a cutey, love those shoes.

All hail Great Britain with Bunting Shaun XD

An ode to a kids show placed in the middle of Hamleys!

Ram of the Match off Regent street look looks like he's been sponsored by 118 118 :-p

If you want to find more Shaun the sheep or want the latest news in gaming, anime, cosplay and events! Aisha Anime ^_^ Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

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!

Meet the cosplayer: Ivy Doomkitty

One of the extraordinary things that happened this year was Stan Lee, the creator of many of our favourite heroes such as Spiderman, X-men, Fantastic 4 announced his last UK appearance. Now this made London Film and Comic Con the convention of the year with phenomenal queues to meet the mastermind for photos, autographs and Q&A. One of the things he requested was a group of people as his entourage including the famous cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty. 

Ivy Doomkitty is an international Costumer/Cosplayer, Artist, Model, Gamer, based in L.A, USA. Ivy has been attending conventions for many years, before deciding to take the plunge by showing her fandom through cosplay. Ivy was recently featured as a GUEST JUDGE on several episodes of the Syfy Original Series, "Heroes of Cosplay".

She now uses this newfound passion to create her own costumes, currently over 30, and use them to bring to life her favourite characters from gaming and comics as well as creating a positive impact in the cosplay community. She strives to show others in the community that you can do something you love, regardless of gender, skin color, sexual orientation, body shape/size, etc, via her panel on that very subject,"So They Say You Shouldn't Cosplay". Because of this, Ivy has been invited to appear as a Guest, Judge, Panelist, and Host to various conventions and events all over the world.

She also was the Featured Cosplayer on the webseries, "Cospladies", a short documentary on the trials, tribulations, and love of cosplay. Ivy is also a member of the West Coast Avengers/Avengers Initiative, taking part in charity events in Southern California.

Ivy has written, moderated, and participated in panels, as well as judged and hosted Costume Contests. In the past, she has interviewed some incredible talent, including Stan Lee, Lou Ferrigno, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden, and more.

In the past, she has written comic book reviews, co hosted Cosplay con, in addition to presenting and hosting the costume contest.

I was lucky enough to catch the beautiful model setting up her stall at Anime League's Cosplay desk and ask her a few questions about her time at the con.

Read more at Summer LFCC on Ukanifest:

http://www.ukanifest.co.uk/news/2014/7/18/summer-lfcc-with-ground-breaking-queues

Ai My Maid Fro-Yo Party

What makes Ai My Maid different is their traditional Japanese take on this concept. Of course the original concept is from Japan but the outfits and activities differ greatly. They also had pop up cafes at London Anime Con and London Film and Comic Con this year, but this is their first official event.

From the decor the team had transformed the busy and modern Tutti Fruitti venue to a Japanese Pokemon centre, there were Pokemon cards stuck to the walls amongst the talismans of the shrine maidens to ward away evil spirits. A Shide is a zigzag-shaped paper streamer, used in Shinto rituals.

Upon entering you were greeted by maids to come to the basement where Butler Kazuma explained the loyalty cards and the task of winning Pokemon badges from each Butler or maid to win prizes and to give you your raffle ticket and free Pokemon starter pack. A really nice addition for all customers who have purchased a ticket.

We were then escorted to our table and explained the ordering procedure with prices and if you wanted fro-yo then you were to help yourself upstairs. You could challenge a Butler or Maid for a game at 50p per fight and if you win collect your badge. Any games between customers were free. This way a lot of the customers could interact with other customer as a few came by themselves for the sake of trying out something new, or you could indulge in speaking and playing with one of the maids.

The maids had no real given character, there was more emphasis on talents than character they were themselves, for example, Maid Emi was the idol of the group she would go to tables and belt out a J-pop song to her customers. Maid Mei with the surreal white hair and cute moving neko ears was offering tarrot card reading with Cardcaptor Sakura clow cards, this was really skilful and entertaining. All of them liked to play games but each specific maid donned the consoles, Maid Ruri was happy to play Jenga or Smash bros. But Maid Mayumi would much rather play connect 4 but all would play any game requested. The Butlers also participated, sadly Butler Kohei bested me in a a couple of matches at Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

Also in honour of The Pokemon X &Y release that day they raffled the games at all three slots so all attendees could win it at random. If you also filled your Pokemon card you would receive a free chekkie (Japanese Polaroid photo with all the Maids and Butlers with customisation). If you are a competitive gamer this was not a hard challenge for you.

The audience ratio was an even mix of male to female attendees and everyone came for different reasons. Also the game selection really appealed to the crowd. The addition of talents meant people could leave with keepsakes such as a personalised drawing by the Maids.

Find more photos on Animepicks facebook:

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.624538290931895.1073741833.127643487288047&type=3

To get the full experience, view our video here:

Gamerdisco ft IGN: 6th March

Gamerdisco is becoming a regular hang out for me and my gaming buddies. Free entry into a den of games, friendly atmosphere, drinking and prizes.

About Gamerdisco:

From the team who brought you Nintendisco comes the new monthly club night 'GamerDisco' with only a name change everything else equally as Geek Fest. A truly social video gaming event for those who would like to play solitary. Get up and and make an event of it with multi-screen projected gaming from old skool Nintendo. GamerDisco at Book Club provides an adult space for arcade lovers and fans of video games.

This time there was a queue outside the entrance to the light-bulb en-clustered domain. Seems I'm not the only regular attending and it's true, the majority of people attending  are part of a community.

The variety of attendees span from amateur noobs, to tourney pros looking for practice or to score prizes. Last time one of my friends came 2nd in the Street Fighter tourney and won a steam code for Jet Set Radio (courtesy of IGN). Playable games were: Marvel Vs Capcom 3, Mario Kart, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom and Streetfighter x Tekken.

The music has changed vastly due to DJ 'Jet Set' Rory playing some pop tunes in 8-bit forms: Riding Dirty, Goldigga and Pokemon Remix, which the audience and even staff were bopping to.

The only disappointment to the night was the lack of Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 'till late into the night and no Tekken at all. I am hoping there will be a bit more variety next time and perhaps more games previews, as at the last event they had another room dedicated to All Stars Battle Royale which was a real crowd pleaser.

Overall a great night out for students, people on a budget or people who need to let off some steam.