SYDNEY ¡V September 8, 2010 ¡V Animania, Australia¡¦s biggest and original Japanese pop culture festival is back for its signature weekend event. See us at the Australian Technology Park on September 11-12 for all the fun.
This year Animania welcomes Ms Rika Matsumoto, Japanese voice actress of Ash Ketchum from the much loved Pokemon series. There¡¦s everything and more at the Animania Festival Weekend:
CAFE LUCIOLE
Treat yourself to a little luxury at the Animania and visit Cafe Luciole, Animania’s first Maid Cafe. Maid-style cafes or cosplay restaurants are increasingly popular in Japan. These unique cafes feature costumed waitstaff, often as maids or butlers, who provide homely service and attention for the customer. We invite you to be our very special guests at Cafe Luciole and enjoy a break in your busy day with a cup of tea or some delicious cake (make sure to try to Cafe Luciole special!).
ART SPACE
Make a wish and help Animania fold a thousand cranes for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan. In the Living Art Space, discover traditional Japanese music, dress up as a geisha, or see the dolls that have taken the world by storm in the Asian Ball Jointed Dolls Showcase. Also, don¡¦t miss out on our new maid cafe, and experience urban Tokyo in the heart of Sydney!
MAIN STAGE & CHIBI STAGE
On the main stage, Animania will announce the winners of the World Cosplay Summit (WCS). Held annually in Japan, the competition showcases the best in Cosplay talent from around the world. Animania will also host a number of fun competitions, such as Dual Artist, where amateur artists will unfold live artwork onstage. On the mini ¡¥Chibi¡¦ stage, catch the highly anticipated screening of the World Cosplay Summit straight from Japan. Our guest of honour, Rika Matsumoto, will make a guest appearance on Sunday.
COSPLAY HQ
At Cosplay HQ you¡¦ll find Australia¡¦s best Cosplay competitions, the Cosplay Expo and Cosplay Photo shoot! Come and see the WCS Final to find out who will represent Australia in the international Cosplay competition next year in Japan. Special guests include Katherine Lee, a previous WCS contender and ¡¥Hexlord,¡¦ a renowned Cosplay photographer from Singapore.
PANEL ROOM
Industry professionals, artists, academics and community group representatives will lead a range of discussions. Find your feet in the vast sea of anime and manga, its surrounding culture and genres, and pick up some valuable techniques in drawing, Cosplay, and photography
Other attractions:
- Food Fair ¡V A taste sensation of international flavours such as Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and more
- Games zone ¡V Challenge your neighbours in Street Fighter 4, Mario Kart and Wii
- Karaoke ¡V Experience this popular pastime with the latest anime songs
- Mini Dance & Games ¡V Everything from hip-hop and giant twister to the wacky Cosplay chess
EVENT SUMMARY
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, 2010
WHERE: The Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh (within walking distance of Redfern Station)
TIME: 10am ¡V 6pm
ADVANCE SALES TICKETS (by Sept 8): Adult $37 / *Child $27
DOOR SALES (Cash only): Adult $35 / *Child $25
*Children (5-12 years) must be accompanied by an adult; children under 5 free.
**Discounts apply for two-day weekend passes.
For more information, tickets, and a full list of activities, competitions and vendors, visit animania.net.au
ABOUT ANIMANIA:
Animania Festival is Australia¡¦s largest anime and manga event, attracting thousands of fans locally, from interstate and overseas. Animania was the first animation festival to be held in NSW, with its inaugural event in 2002 attracting over 500 people. Today, it is a celebration of all aspects of Japanese pop culture and cultural diversity.