The first ever Culture Japan Convention was held in Pulau Pinang last weekend. This convention was the brainchild of popular blogger, as well as a self made successful otaku, Danny Choo. Held at the posh and luxurious Straits Quay Convention Centre, the two day event was awash with various activities that was catered specifically for people that has an affinity towards the Japanese Culture.
Planned since last year, the event made true with the help of Penang Global Tourism, as well as Danny's father, Dato' Jimmy Choo who himself originally came from the tiny island. The event was targeted to bring together fans as well as followers of Japanese culture, specifically ones that involves Animes, Mangas, as well as Cosplay. Hence the VIP line up mirrors this, with the inclusion of cosplayers Maridah (USA) and Angie (Pulau Pinang), graphic artists Shirahane Nao (aka: DMYO) and Ikkyu, artist Vividblaze, as well as voice actress/Seiyuu Asakawa Yuu. The VIPs are involved in their very own panels on stage, where they talk about their line of work, hence quenching the knowledge thirsts of locals that usually have to read a Japanese translated site to get the same information. And indeed, meeting them face to face has that different effect as well, as most was elated to meet these famous people. Indeed, the choice of VIPs was spot on as it caters towards the different demographics.
Other than the VIPs, there are also various stores and shops selling Japanese related items, some which can only be bought at the event such as the limited edition Mirai Touch 'n' Go card at Danny Choo's own booth, and figurines/nendoroids at the Good Smile Company booth. Indeed, the demand for these items were so high that the queue was snaking all over the hall. GSC even sold out most of their stocks by lunchtime the first day. Other than that, Kinokuniya has a booth as well promoting their collaboration with Danny Choo, as well as AFA and Comic Fiesta, each doing cross promotion with CJC. Tomodachi T-Shirt came all the way from Bangkok to showcase their unique and quirky t-shirt designs, and for those who are looking for animes can visit the VBG shop that has a mountain of licensed titles.
Fans could also buy various merchandises that was brought in by the VIPs, and have them signed which immediately elevate the status of the said product. Ikkyu-sensei brought in his Moe no Sakura doujinshi circle which has it's own booth, while the other VIPs has their products (like Maridah's and Angie's cosplay photos, as well as Vividblaze's album) sold at the VIP booth. There also a mass signing session with the VIPs on stage, where the visitors took the liberty of cherishing the moment of meeting the VIPs with some quick photo opportunity. Danny Choo's Culture Japan Booth also showcased some interesting stuffs like a 3D hologram Mirai, and a Kinect controlled Miku Miku Dance software, as well as various merchandises that featured his creation and beloved daughter, Suenaga Mirai.
True, the event is not 100% perfect. There were slight delays, last minute problems, etc, but the fact that for a first time event it was actually solid, although we wished it could be done nearer to KL (but then again, it's because we live in KL). We hope that there will be a plan to resume this event next year, and every year after that. We sincerely would like to thanks Danny Choo and Solomon Freeman, as well as Jason Sim from Penang Global Tourism for inviting us to this event.
We will be publishing some more articles featuring interviews with the VIPs so do look forward to that.
