August 1st, 2008: Halloween event update...
So far, this is the list of who is coming to Halloween, and what they are wearing...
Kell Komatsubara-Hide(X Japan)
Pam Verrey-Shinsengumi
Zac Tom
Mari Okazaki
Lia Rodriguez
So far, this is the list of who is coming to Halloween, and what they are wearing...
Kell Komatsubara-Hide(X Japan)
Pam Verrey-Shinsengumi
Zac Tom
Mari Okazaki
Lia Rodriguez
Kate Kaneshiro-Uouo Chan(Fruits Basket)
Erik Miyasaka
Sakura Sanada
Alvin Yoshida-Toshi(X Japan)
Bronson Tabios-Heath(X Japan)
Gannon Goo
Ross Yoshino
Kevin Yoshida-Drunken Scholar(Forbidden Kingdom)
Sage Yoshida-Silent Monk(Forbidden Kingdom)
Joy-Sparrow(Forbidden Kingdom)
Kitana Yoshida-White Witch(Forbidden Kingdom)
Brandon Morishita-(Bleach)
Tracy Oshiro
Marvin Nakajima
Chris Urata
July 5th, 2008: Anime Expo cosplay skit...
Sometime around the end of January 2008, I had made contact with the original J.A.S.H. president, Florencio Lim Jr. I had just had a meeting with the Pacific Outpost 501st Star Wars troop, and got some information and the email to Flo as he was a member of the 501st as well. Flo and I started talking about Anime Expo 2008, and he was telling me he was looking for some cosplayers to enter in the 2008 Masquerade. He had some interesting plans so I told him that I would join in on the fun, since all I would be doing was standing around in the background. So, for the next four months Flo, Kevin Karvornen and myself would be busy trying to get all the parts for the costumes in order. Flo and Kevin were making the parts for the costumes, and I was working on some of the weaponry.
However, at the end of May, we found out that fate would not allow us to play out this cosplay skit. Due to a problem with making the parts of the costume (someone broke in and stole some of the equipment needed to make the parts), Flo and Kevin could not get the costumes done in time. So, on the shelf this project went.
I then asked Flo, if he had another back up skit. Then Flo went into this story of how he has had this idea that came to him in a dream for a NEON GENESIS EVANGELION skit and it might be pretty cool if we could pull it off. So, not thinking about what kind of role I would have, I told him that if there was a Gendo Ikari I’d be Gendo. Of course I chose Gendo! He has glasses, I have glasses so there! Flo seemed ecstatic about it, and told me he’d get back to me in a few days on if we were going to do this.
Four days later, Flo calls me up, and tells me, he has a Misato, Asuka and a Rei lined up. He would be a NERV soldier and if I was going to be Gendo, all we’d need is a Shinji, but if we couldn’t, then it would still be okay. Well, as you may or may not know, Anime Expo Masquerade’s rules are that you have to make your own costumes. So, I couldn’t use my regular costume maker QQCOSPLAY. Flo then told me, what the skit would be about. It would be where the girls are singing, and then all of a sudden, Gendo starts singing like Frank Sinatra. You may be asking why Frank Sinatra? Well, the song “Fly Me To The Moon” was originally Frank’s song, and not something made just for EVA. Now I was getting worried, as my role was turning into something important.
So, off I went to Fabric Mart in Pearl Kai, and with a picture of Gendo Ikari in hand I started grabbing material that I thought I needed to make the jacket. I also found a cheap jacket pattern from Wal-Mart so now, all I had to do was find someone who could sew it all together for me. I got one of my cousins who is learning to sew from her mom to put it together. It was her first project, so it took awhile. Finally, the day before I was to leave for the mainland, it was done! Talk about stress!
Also, about two weeks before the convention, I had ordered this fedora from this Garment Merchant online. And despite the promises of it getting to me before I left for the mainland, it never showed up. I was hoping to get it here, so I could fabricate the white cloth that goes around Frank Sinatra’s fedora. So, when I got to the mainland, I looked online, and found that TARGET has fedora’s. So, when I got there, I found a nice cheap hat, but I forgot the white cloth to make the band. Well, you know me. I just adjust to the situation and while at target, I got some printer paper and glue. I then proceeded to cut the band out of printer paper, trimmed it a bit more to fit nicely and there we had it. I don’t think anyone noticed when I was on stage!
Once I got to the convention, there were meetings to go to for the event. AX has a lot of meetings and they work hard to make the events run as smoothly as possible. The first meeting on Wednesday was a meeting with the event coordinator to drop off the audio and let them know what the skit was going to be about. The audio of the skit, has to be prerecorded, as there are no microphones on the stage, so everything becomes a lip sync. Also, the whole skit has to be only two minutes long. If you are over, THEY WILL CUT IT FOR YOU! So, it is always best to have it correct to begin with. The next was the Costume Craftsmanship. You have to schedule a time for your group to meet with the judges, and you have to show photos of how your costume, weapons, props, etc were made. The two judges were really helpful, and even pointed out some things to make the costumes even better the next time around.
On Friday, I had to attend the orientation for the Masquerade. Basically, it was an information session that let us know what the rules for the NOKIA Theater would be, and what time we needed to be there. Also, there was a Q and A session where we could ask any questions and the AX staff would try to answer them as best as they could. If they couldn’t they would get an answer for us by Saturday night. Unfortunately the NOKIA staff would not allow us a lot of things, like taking pictures behind the stage. Mostly to keep where the green rooms and such are, so people don’t find out how to sneak in and get into those rooms when the REAL stars are there. Also, due to the concession contract, we could not bring outside food or drink into the backstage area. We found that kind of hard on us, as we couldn’t just walk out and get something to drink or eat as we were pretty much stuck backstage. They did tell us, we could bring in small sport cups for drinking, so I took the rules a little further, and bought two one gallon jugs at TARGET Friday night after dinner.
I met up with the troupe late Friday night. I had met with Flo and Angela during the craftsmanship judging, but I got to meet the rest of the cosplayers. Danielle (Who originally lived in Hawaii, but since moved to the mainland) and Sara are also veteran cosplayers, being in many of either Flo or Angela’s cosplay skits. Now I am REALLY concerned, as here I am the total noob with all these excellent cosplayers. I start having these doubts like “What if I blow it for them?” They really went out on a limb and allowed me, the noob to play the part of Gendo/Frank Sinatra. While we were waiting for Angela to return from the convention, Flo walked me through what it would take to be Sinatra. I spent a good hour in the hall of their hotel just trying to get the walk down right. Sinatra is smooth, and cool. I am most definitely not that! At this point, I’m starting to get worried I’m gonna blow this skit for Flo and the gang! So, I decide I’m just going to try my hardest not to ruin this for the others.
When Angela showed up from her other rehearsal, we started by having her show the other two girls what she came up with for the dance routine. Something simple since we didn’t have the time to choreograph this properly, yet flashy enough to get the attention of everyone! While they were doing that, I was still trying to get my part down. There would be parts, where my timing would have to be oh so perfect or it would bring ruin to Flo and Angela’s well made plans. Finally, we started to put it together from the beginning. I was now starting to FEAR this idea. What did I get myself into! I kept coming in at the wrong time, forgetting where I would have to be and such. I think Angela and Flo were getting worried if I was going to be able to do this, as I am so the NOOB in cosplay.
After about 20 minutes of this, the hotel security of the Hotel Rubbish Pit (Go look at our reviews on the hotels in the area. You’ll know which one this is!) told us we were making too much noise. So, we went downstairs to the hallway outside in the parking lot. We spent an hour there, going over the skit from start to finish. I still was a bit rough, but I was slowly getting the idea. Angela, with her years of theater experience gave me some ideas, and thought up a routine where it would be easy for me to keep time and know when to be at the critical moment. Finally, it was time to get some sleep. I was going to walk back to my hotel, but Flo didn’t want his Gendo getting jacked by some homeless guy in the area. So, I went back to the convention and caught the shuttle back.
The entire Saturday, I confined myself to the hotel room. I kept listening to the soundtrack, trying to memorize the entire skit and also the words so it looked like I was actually doing the singing. I did remember though, Angela telling me if I can’t remember the words, just say “watermelon watermelon watermelon”. But most importantly, I had to be in key places at specific points in time for the skit.
Finally, it was 4pm and it was time to head on down to the NOKIA theater. Club member Mari Okazaki came back to the hotel room, and was going to be our “stage ninja” helping us out with whatever we needed. We got to the NOKIA’s back gate, and signed in. The AX staff was there, and was really helpful with all of the contestants. Even the NOKIA staff was quite pleasant as well. Flo and the rest of the members got there around 5:30 and we began to go over our skits. While we were doing this, Angela helped me with my timing to move in, with some simple advice, but for a beginner like me it wasn’t so obvious.
All the contestants had last minute instructions by the chairs for the event. Pretty much straight forward, but nonetheless we got some updated information and they were now going to have the emcees come and talk with us so they know how to introduce us and our cue lines when to get ready. The AX backstage video team also interviewed us! It was quite fun, although I really didn’t get to say much on camera, and what little I did say got cut but oh well. That’s show business! The link to that is http://www.axbackstage.org/?page_id=22 and click on the link to masquerade. Move it to 4:17 and you will find the interview.
I got a call from my friend that was going to video the skit for us, but she couldn’t get into the NOKIA! What is that? Can’t get in? The NOKIA theater holds 7000 people! You mean, there is actually going to be 7000 people watching us! I try not to let that into my mind right now, as I need to focus on my part of the skit.
It was now 7pm, and they told us to get ready. Everyone who met me at AX, you all know I have this SUPER LONG HAIR. However, I had this hair cap and had a friend cut up the wig to make it look like Gendo’s hair. Mari helped me get all my hair under the cap, then placed the wig on. Danielle then put some hairpins to secure the wig to the cap. Finally, on went the beard to make it complete. During this time, the groups ahead of us were going on stage, and we were amongst the last to go. I was getting really nervous now, as it would be just minutes before I got on stage with everyone. I was really wishing I could have had a beer right now to calm me down, but Flo didn’t want me smelling like a brewery and get kicked out of the NOKIA, so I was just gonna have to man up and just do it.
Well, it’s time to get cued up and my heart is probably going 300 miles and hour right now. Angela and Flo decide, lets form a circle, hands in and pray for a good show. I then tell them, lets say EVA! So we all go “EVA!”, and now it is our time. We are then led through the door to the stage, and we all line up in our places as the group before us is just about done. It’s now SHOWTIME! The emcee says our cue… “All I can say is, God’s children are in control. All is right in heaven…” The music rolls, and so do we… The girls start singing, and the crowd starts to get into the skit clapping along with the music. “…darling kiss me” is my cue to start doing my Sinatra impersonation, and the crowd, well… responds enthusiastically and with that, my fears went away. I just let myself go, and was actually having fun with it.
Now for the finale. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking to myself, “girls turn left, I go to my slot.” It almost seemed like it was meant to be, as my timing was dead on and we finished beautifully. We walked off the stage, but the lighting guys dimmed the lights too fast to see the part where Misato takes the beer from the NERV soldier and drinks it. Oh well, it was now over and we took pictures in the pressroom.
(click picture to see youtube video)
I could see Flo’s face shining happily so I know we didn’t bomb. I was so glad it was over, and relief came over me. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if Flo would ask me back for next year.
Once we got back to the loading dock where the staging area for everyone was, Mari was there to help me out of the wig, and then I got out the water cooler and started pouring water for everyone. Flo got everyone together and told us, we did a good job. That was hella lot a fun!
We hung out for the awards presentation, in case we won anything. However, it wasn’t in the cards for us this year but as Flo told us as long as we had fun and the crowd liked it, that is all that mattered to him. Once the presentations were done, we went back to Flo’s hotel and did a photo shoot with the cast. We did some random poses and did a group shot on stairs of the Wilshire Grand (Flo and company checked out of the hotel from hell Saturday morning).
Flo then went about telling me how he looks forward to 2009, and tells me how “WE” are going to be really hot in the costumes next year. I guess I am in! So now it is time to get ready for AX 2009!
In closing, I really want to thank Florencio Lim Jr. for taking the chance on me for this skit, and Angela, Danielle and Sara for helping me cope with my insecurities and educating me with the little time we had. Like Frank Sinatra would say, “The best is yet to come…”
April 4th, 2008: Our trip to Japan...
We left for Narita on the morning of March 26th. We were really fortunate to be bumped up to business class, and up to the second floor we went. Eight hours later, we arrived to Narita, and took the airport limousine service to the Shiba Park Hotel in Hamamatsucho, where it is just a stones throw to places like Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Place.
Most of the group, on friday went to Nagano Broadway, and the Sakura Taisen Cafe. On Saturday, it was the Tokyo Anime Fair at the Tokyo Big Site. There was a lot of people there by the time we got to the site, but man, after us was a line even longer yet!
Erik Miyasaka
Sakura Sanada
Alvin Yoshida-Toshi(X Japan)
Bronson Tabios-Heath(X Japan)
Gannon Goo
Ross Yoshino
Kevin Yoshida-Drunken Scholar(Forbidden Kingdom)
Sage Yoshida-Silent Monk(Forbidden Kingdom)
Joy-Sparrow(Forbidden Kingdom)
Kitana Yoshida-White Witch(Forbidden Kingdom)
Brandon Morishita-(Bleach)
Tracy Oshiro
Marvin Nakajima
Chris Urata
July 5th, 2008: Anime Expo cosplay skit...
Sometime around the end of January 2008, I had made contact with the original J.A.S.H. president, Florencio Lim Jr. I had just had a meeting with the Pacific Outpost 501st Star Wars troop, and got some information and the email to Flo as he was a member of the 501st as well. Flo and I started talking about Anime Expo 2008, and he was telling me he was looking for some cosplayers to enter in the 2008 Masquerade. He had some interesting plans so I told him that I would join in on the fun, since all I would be doing was standing around in the background. So, for the next four months Flo, Kevin Karvornen and myself would be busy trying to get all the parts for the costumes in order. Flo and Kevin were making the parts for the costumes, and I was working on some of the weaponry.
However, at the end of May, we found out that fate would not allow us to play out this cosplay skit. Due to a problem with making the parts of the costume (someone broke in and stole some of the equipment needed to make the parts), Flo and Kevin could not get the costumes done in time. So, on the shelf this project went.
I then asked Flo, if he had another back up skit. Then Flo went into this story of how he has had this idea that came to him in a dream for a NEON GENESIS EVANGELION skit and it might be pretty cool if we could pull it off. So, not thinking about what kind of role I would have, I told him that if there was a Gendo Ikari I’d be Gendo. Of course I chose Gendo! He has glasses, I have glasses so there! Flo seemed ecstatic about it, and told me he’d get back to me in a few days on if we were going to do this.
Four days later, Flo calls me up, and tells me, he has a Misato, Asuka and a Rei lined up. He would be a NERV soldier and if I was going to be Gendo, all we’d need is a Shinji, but if we couldn’t, then it would still be okay. Well, as you may or may not know, Anime Expo Masquerade’s rules are that you have to make your own costumes. So, I couldn’t use my regular costume maker QQCOSPLAY. Flo then told me, what the skit would be about. It would be where the girls are singing, and then all of a sudden, Gendo starts singing like Frank Sinatra. You may be asking why Frank Sinatra? Well, the song “Fly Me To The Moon” was originally Frank’s song, and not something made just for EVA. Now I was getting worried, as my role was turning into something important.
So, off I went to Fabric Mart in Pearl Kai, and with a picture of Gendo Ikari in hand I started grabbing material that I thought I needed to make the jacket. I also found a cheap jacket pattern from Wal-Mart so now, all I had to do was find someone who could sew it all together for me. I got one of my cousins who is learning to sew from her mom to put it together. It was her first project, so it took awhile. Finally, the day before I was to leave for the mainland, it was done! Talk about stress!
Also, about two weeks before the convention, I had ordered this fedora from this Garment Merchant online. And despite the promises of it getting to me before I left for the mainland, it never showed up. I was hoping to get it here, so I could fabricate the white cloth that goes around Frank Sinatra’s fedora. So, when I got to the mainland, I looked online, and found that TARGET has fedora’s. So, when I got there, I found a nice cheap hat, but I forgot the white cloth to make the band. Well, you know me. I just adjust to the situation and while at target, I got some printer paper and glue. I then proceeded to cut the band out of printer paper, trimmed it a bit more to fit nicely and there we had it. I don’t think anyone noticed when I was on stage!
Once I got to the convention, there were meetings to go to for the event. AX has a lot of meetings and they work hard to make the events run as smoothly as possible. The first meeting on Wednesday was a meeting with the event coordinator to drop off the audio and let them know what the skit was going to be about. The audio of the skit, has to be prerecorded, as there are no microphones on the stage, so everything becomes a lip sync. Also, the whole skit has to be only two minutes long. If you are over, THEY WILL CUT IT FOR YOU! So, it is always best to have it correct to begin with. The next was the Costume Craftsmanship. You have to schedule a time for your group to meet with the judges, and you have to show photos of how your costume, weapons, props, etc were made. The two judges were really helpful, and even pointed out some things to make the costumes even better the next time around.
On Friday, I had to attend the orientation for the Masquerade. Basically, it was an information session that let us know what the rules for the NOKIA Theater would be, and what time we needed to be there. Also, there was a Q and A session where we could ask any questions and the AX staff would try to answer them as best as they could. If they couldn’t they would get an answer for us by Saturday night. Unfortunately the NOKIA staff would not allow us a lot of things, like taking pictures behind the stage. Mostly to keep where the green rooms and such are, so people don’t find out how to sneak in and get into those rooms when the REAL stars are there. Also, due to the concession contract, we could not bring outside food or drink into the backstage area. We found that kind of hard on us, as we couldn’t just walk out and get something to drink or eat as we were pretty much stuck backstage. They did tell us, we could bring in small sport cups for drinking, so I took the rules a little further, and bought two one gallon jugs at TARGET Friday night after dinner.
I met up with the troupe late Friday night. I had met with Flo and Angela during the craftsmanship judging, but I got to meet the rest of the cosplayers. Danielle (Who originally lived in Hawaii, but since moved to the mainland) and Sara are also veteran cosplayers, being in many of either Flo or Angela’s cosplay skits. Now I am REALLY concerned, as here I am the total noob with all these excellent cosplayers. I start having these doubts like “What if I blow it for them?” They really went out on a limb and allowed me, the noob to play the part of Gendo/Frank Sinatra. While we were waiting for Angela to return from the convention, Flo walked me through what it would take to be Sinatra. I spent a good hour in the hall of their hotel just trying to get the walk down right. Sinatra is smooth, and cool. I am most definitely not that! At this point, I’m starting to get worried I’m gonna blow this skit for Flo and the gang! So, I decide I’m just going to try my hardest not to ruin this for the others.
When Angela showed up from her other rehearsal, we started by having her show the other two girls what she came up with for the dance routine. Something simple since we didn’t have the time to choreograph this properly, yet flashy enough to get the attention of everyone! While they were doing that, I was still trying to get my part down. There would be parts, where my timing would have to be oh so perfect or it would bring ruin to Flo and Angela’s well made plans. Finally, we started to put it together from the beginning. I was now starting to FEAR this idea. What did I get myself into! I kept coming in at the wrong time, forgetting where I would have to be and such. I think Angela and Flo were getting worried if I was going to be able to do this, as I am so the NOOB in cosplay.
After about 20 minutes of this, the hotel security of the Hotel Rubbish Pit (Go look at our reviews on the hotels in the area. You’ll know which one this is!) told us we were making too much noise. So, we went downstairs to the hallway outside in the parking lot. We spent an hour there, going over the skit from start to finish. I still was a bit rough, but I was slowly getting the idea. Angela, with her years of theater experience gave me some ideas, and thought up a routine where it would be easy for me to keep time and know when to be at the critical moment. Finally, it was time to get some sleep. I was going to walk back to my hotel, but Flo didn’t want his Gendo getting jacked by some homeless guy in the area. So, I went back to the convention and caught the shuttle back.
The entire Saturday, I confined myself to the hotel room. I kept listening to the soundtrack, trying to memorize the entire skit and also the words so it looked like I was actually doing the singing. I did remember though, Angela telling me if I can’t remember the words, just say “watermelon watermelon watermelon”. But most importantly, I had to be in key places at specific points in time for the skit.
Finally, it was 4pm and it was time to head on down to the NOKIA theater. Club member Mari Okazaki came back to the hotel room, and was going to be our “stage ninja” helping us out with whatever we needed. We got to the NOKIA’s back gate, and signed in. The AX staff was there, and was really helpful with all of the contestants. Even the NOKIA staff was quite pleasant as well. Flo and the rest of the members got there around 5:30 and we began to go over our skits. While we were doing this, Angela helped me with my timing to move in, with some simple advice, but for a beginner like me it wasn’t so obvious.
All the contestants had last minute instructions by the chairs for the event. Pretty much straight forward, but nonetheless we got some updated information and they were now going to have the emcees come and talk with us so they know how to introduce us and our cue lines when to get ready. The AX backstage video team also interviewed us! It was quite fun, although I really didn’t get to say much on camera, and what little I did say got cut but oh well. That’s show business! The link to that is http://www.axbackstage.org/?page_id=22 and click on the link to masquerade. Move it to 4:17 and you will find the interview.
I got a call from my friend that was going to video the skit for us, but she couldn’t get into the NOKIA! What is that? Can’t get in? The NOKIA theater holds 7000 people! You mean, there is actually going to be 7000 people watching us! I try not to let that into my mind right now, as I need to focus on my part of the skit.
It was now 7pm, and they told us to get ready. Everyone who met me at AX, you all know I have this SUPER LONG HAIR. However, I had this hair cap and had a friend cut up the wig to make it look like Gendo’s hair. Mari helped me get all my hair under the cap, then placed the wig on. Danielle then put some hairpins to secure the wig to the cap. Finally, on went the beard to make it complete. During this time, the groups ahead of us were going on stage, and we were amongst the last to go. I was getting really nervous now, as it would be just minutes before I got on stage with everyone. I was really wishing I could have had a beer right now to calm me down, but Flo didn’t want me smelling like a brewery and get kicked out of the NOKIA, so I was just gonna have to man up and just do it.
Well, it’s time to get cued up and my heart is probably going 300 miles and hour right now. Angela and Flo decide, lets form a circle, hands in and pray for a good show. I then tell them, lets say EVA! So we all go “EVA!”, and now it is our time. We are then led through the door to the stage, and we all line up in our places as the group before us is just about done. It’s now SHOWTIME! The emcee says our cue… “All I can say is, God’s children are in control. All is right in heaven…” The music rolls, and so do we… The girls start singing, and the crowd starts to get into the skit clapping along with the music. “…darling kiss me” is my cue to start doing my Sinatra impersonation, and the crowd, well… responds enthusiastically and with that, my fears went away. I just let myself go, and was actually having fun with it.
Now for the finale. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking to myself, “girls turn left, I go to my slot.” It almost seemed like it was meant to be, as my timing was dead on and we finished beautifully. We walked off the stage, but the lighting guys dimmed the lights too fast to see the part where Misato takes the beer from the NERV soldier and drinks it. Oh well, it was now over and we took pictures in the pressroom.
(click picture to see youtube video)
I could see Flo’s face shining happily so I know we didn’t bomb. I was so glad it was over, and relief came over me. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if Flo would ask me back for next year.
Once we got back to the loading dock where the staging area for everyone was, Mari was there to help me out of the wig, and then I got out the water cooler and started pouring water for everyone. Flo got everyone together and told us, we did a good job. That was hella lot a fun!
We hung out for the awards presentation, in case we won anything. However, it wasn’t in the cards for us this year but as Flo told us as long as we had fun and the crowd liked it, that is all that mattered to him. Once the presentations were done, we went back to Flo’s hotel and did a photo shoot with the cast. We did some random poses and did a group shot on stairs of the Wilshire Grand (Flo and company checked out of the hotel from hell Saturday morning).
Flo then went about telling me how he looks forward to 2009, and tells me how “WE” are going to be really hot in the costumes next year. I guess I am in! So now it is time to get ready for AX 2009!
In closing, I really want to thank Florencio Lim Jr. for taking the chance on me for this skit, and Angela, Danielle and Sara for helping me cope with my insecurities and educating me with the little time we had. Like Frank Sinatra would say, “The best is yet to come…”
April 4th, 2008: Our trip to Japan...
We left for Narita on the morning of March 26th. We were really fortunate to be bumped up to business class, and up to the second floor we went. Eight hours later, we arrived to Narita, and took the airport limousine service to the Shiba Park Hotel in Hamamatsucho, where it is just a stones throw to places like Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Place.
Most of the group, on friday went to Nagano Broadway, and the Sakura Taisen Cafe. On Saturday, it was the Tokyo Anime Fair at the Tokyo Big Site. There was a lot of people there by the time we got to the site, but man, after us was a line even longer yet!
Once we got in, it was sensory overload with all the booths and vendors in the main hall. If it had anything to do with anime, it was here. There was nothing lacking in this fair, as everything that was new for 2008 was here and in hands reach of us, the fans. For most, it took the whole day to see everything there.
For a few of us, we had to depart by 1pm to get to the Tokyo Dome to see X Japans concert. On our way to the concert, we stopped by Tsukiji Hongwanji to visit Hideto "hide" Matsumoto's memorial there. Kell left for hide, flowers and some chocolate macadamia nuts.
Outside of the Tokyo Dome, there were so many quality X Japan cosplayers! Among the most kawaii, were these two chibi cosplayers of Yoshiki and hide. Their parents must be X Japan fans, and are starting the kids off on the right foot to be cosplayers!
On sunday, we went to Akihabara. Home of the OTAKU!!! Everyone scattered like the wind, looking for whatever they were looking for in the latest otakuware! We even got to find the building from Densha Otoko! (to be continued)
March 23rd, 2008: Working on next movie project...
We will begin starting the new movie project sometime at the end of July, or August. We currently are looking for actors for the various roles in this movie. If you have any acting experience, and would like to be a part of the creation of this movie, please email the director Yoshiki Takahashi at yoshiki@oahuanimeexplorer.com.
Dec. 23rd, 2007: Kapiolani Children's Hospital visit...
Seven of our cosplayers went to the Children's Play room at Kapiolani Children's Hospital and delivered some trading cards donated by Toys N Joys and Hakubundo.
The event was well received, and we now plan on doing this again not only on Christmas, but again during the summer months!
Dec. 4th, 2007: TRIP TO JAPAN INFO!
We just got the info from JTB. This is the current prices of the trip.
Leave Honolulu for Narita on 3/25/2008 and leave Kansai to Honolulu on 4/2/2008
Package price (includes 5 nights at the Shiba Park Hotel, and 2 nights at the Karasuwa Hotel)
$1263.00 per person, double occupancy.
It is MANDATORY that if you are even THINKING about going, to get your passports NOW! We are running out of time to book the plane tickets so we need the commitment and your passport information as soon as possible.
Nov. 25th, 2007: NEW PROJECT!
Yes, being to fear. The insane one's mind has been toiling over this new project for a month now! We will be doing a LIVE ACTION version of "Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei" shortly. Starring Mari Okazaki as "Fuura", and Kell Komatsubara as "Itoshiki Nozomu" doing the opening scene of the series. Producer Anthony Castro Director Ryousuke Takahashi of RACE FACTORY will begin production on this in the next couple of weeks, one Mari Okazaki has completed the script. It should be done in time for the Japanese Cultural Center's New Years Festival.
Oct. 31st, Halloween in Waikiki. The biggest group ever for the club!
Once again, we went to Waikiki for a night of food, fun, and Karaoke! Just a few pictures for now of the beginning of the night.
Just some random hanging out action with the members...
The QQCOSPLAYERS group photo!
Sakura and Erik, being like a married couple...
Zac and Pam, enjoying their food!
Big Brandon is IN THE HOUSE!
Kondo Isami... errr, Kell after eating the Kalakaua meal with Tracy...
We did this photo shoot with some of the many tourist that come through the DFS GALLERIA...
A group photo in the Galleria...
A random shot of the madness on Kalakaua...
We'll have more pics up shortly... Once more people send us more pictures...
Oct. 27th, 2007: Toy n Joys and MECHAHAWAII's cosplay night!
So awesome! Two of Hawaii's premier toy stores with so much to offer! Sean of MECHAHAWAII who in the past has loaned us models to display, and Andersen Le of the Hawaii International Film Festival and Toys n Joys gave us the heads up on their cosplay contests. Fortunately they both held them on the same day and they were within a block from each other! Once again, thanks to MECHAHAWAII and Toys n Joys for opening their stores and giving us OTAKU a chance to do stuff like this! Here are just a few of the photos we took while we were there!
Club President Kell Komatsubara, reprising his role as Bijomaru Mogami, from Azumi, Battling some random "student" from the Battle Royale island...
Sage and Kevin from HMC, our hosts for our club meetings in full Sagara Sanosuke and Myojin Yahiko costumes made by QQCOSPLAY just for them! Go to the Toys n Joys website to see their hilarious poses for the camera!
Lia as Eureka from Eureka Seven, and Pam as Okita Souji. Lia is in another costume provided to us by QQCOSPLAY...
Mari joining some other Vampire Knight cosplayer. Man these two look like a pair, but wait...
They find another cosplayer from the same anime!
These two are not members, but their costumes were just too cool not to post here!
Death Note action all the way!
We'll be posting the Halloween adventure up shortly as well...
Message from Trip Host Eric Kihara!
Time to start planning for the trip to Japan!
Hey All! Greetings from Vegas! Just to let you all know, I'm still planning to try to go to Japan in Spring or Summer of next year. If we're going to go, we should plan ASAP. The travel agent should have the final plans no later than January (December would be better). 1) Are we planning to hit just Tokyo? How about Kyoto as well? 2) How long are we planning to be there? At least 6 full days is recommended (8 would be better). 3) What attractions are we going to? Some should be planned/reserved in advance. My suggestions of must see attractions are Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji fish market, Gundam Museum, Ghibli Museum and the Tokyo Big Site (shpping at Akihabara is a given). 4) We can expect at least Bill to be joining us from this side, possibly Ed might go and Milton and Todd might meet us there for a brief time as well. Anyway, let me know what you guys think. Laters!
We will begin starting the new movie project sometime at the end of July, or August. We currently are looking for actors for the various roles in this movie. If you have any acting experience, and would like to be a part of the creation of this movie, please email the director Yoshiki Takahashi at yoshiki@oahuanimeexplorer.com.
Dec. 23rd, 2007: Kapiolani Children's Hospital visit...
Seven of our cosplayers went to the Children's Play room at Kapiolani Children's Hospital and delivered some trading cards donated by Toys N Joys and Hakubundo.
The event was well received, and we now plan on doing this again not only on Christmas, but again during the summer months!
Dec. 4th, 2007: TRIP TO JAPAN INFO!
We just got the info from JTB. This is the current prices of the trip.
Leave Honolulu for Narita on 3/25/2008 and leave Kansai to Honolulu on 4/2/2008
Package price (includes 5 nights at the Shiba Park Hotel, and 2 nights at the Karasuwa Hotel)
$1263.00 per person, double occupancy.
It is MANDATORY that if you are even THINKING about going, to get your passports NOW! We are running out of time to book the plane tickets so we need the commitment and your passport information as soon as possible.
Nov. 25th, 2007: NEW PROJECT!
Yes, being to fear. The insane one's mind has been toiling over this new project for a month now! We will be doing a LIVE ACTION version of "Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei" shortly. Starring Mari Okazaki as "Fuura", and Kell Komatsubara as "Itoshiki Nozomu" doing the opening scene of the series. Producer Anthony Castro Director Ryousuke Takahashi of RACE FACTORY will begin production on this in the next couple of weeks, one Mari Okazaki has completed the script. It should be done in time for the Japanese Cultural Center's New Years Festival.
Oct. 31st, Halloween in Waikiki. The biggest group ever for the club!
Once again, we went to Waikiki for a night of food, fun, and Karaoke! Just a few pictures for now of the beginning of the night.
Just some random hanging out action with the members...
The QQCOSPLAYERS group photo!
Sakura and Erik, being like a married couple...
Zac and Pam, enjoying their food!
Big Brandon is IN THE HOUSE!
Kondo Isami... errr, Kell after eating the Kalakaua meal with Tracy...
We did this photo shoot with some of the many tourist that come through the DFS GALLERIA...
A group photo in the Galleria...
A random shot of the madness on Kalakaua...
We'll have more pics up shortly... Once more people send us more pictures...
Oct. 27th, 2007: Toy n Joys and MECHAHAWAII's cosplay night!
So awesome! Two of Hawaii's premier toy stores with so much to offer! Sean of MECHAHAWAII who in the past has loaned us models to display, and Andersen Le of the Hawaii International Film Festival and Toys n Joys gave us the heads up on their cosplay contests. Fortunately they both held them on the same day and they were within a block from each other! Once again, thanks to MECHAHAWAII and Toys n Joys for opening their stores and giving us OTAKU a chance to do stuff like this! Here are just a few of the photos we took while we were there!
Club President Kell Komatsubara, reprising his role as Bijomaru Mogami, from Azumi, Battling some random "student" from the Battle Royale island...
Sage and Kevin from HMC, our hosts for our club meetings in full Sagara Sanosuke and Myojin Yahiko costumes made by QQCOSPLAY just for them! Go to the Toys n Joys website to see their hilarious poses for the camera!
Lia as Eureka from Eureka Seven, and Pam as Okita Souji. Lia is in another costume provided to us by QQCOSPLAY...
Mari joining some other Vampire Knight cosplayer. Man these two look like a pair, but wait...
They find another cosplayer from the same anime!
These two are not members, but their costumes were just too cool not to post here!
Death Note action all the way!
We'll be posting the Halloween adventure up shortly as well...
Message from Trip Host Eric Kihara!
Time to start planning for the trip to Japan!
Hey All! Greetings from Vegas! Just to let you all know, I'm still planning to try to go to Japan in Spring or Summer of next year. If we're going to go, we should plan ASAP. The travel agent should have the final plans no later than January (December would be better). 1) Are we planning to hit just Tokyo? How about Kyoto as well? 2) How long are we planning to be there? At least 6 full days is recommended (8 would be better). 3) What attractions are we going to? Some should be planned/reserved in advance. My suggestions of must see attractions are Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji fish market, Gundam Museum, Ghibli Museum and the Tokyo Big Site (shpping at Akihabara is a given). 4) We can expect at least Bill to be joining us from this side, possibly Ed might go and Milton and Todd might meet us there for a brief time as well. Anyway, let me know what you guys think. Laters!
HERE! PICTURES OF MEMBERS GETTING THEIR COSTUMES READY!
Bijomaru's sword
Erik's "Kurosaki Ichigo" sword
More of Tama-Chan's Kurosaki Ichigo cosplay...
Now for pics of Halloween NIGHT!!!!
Kazu as "Itachi" from "Naruto"
Mari as "Chiyo-Chan" of "AZUMANGA DAIOH"
Erik as "Kurosaki Ichigo" from "BLEACH"
Kell as "Bijomaru Mogami" of "AZUMI"
The late Bob Verrey and his wife Pam as "Jinbei" and "Himura Kenshin"
Marvin as some College Grad needing a job...
Kazu joining some other "Naruto" Cosplayers...
Wow, these guys bring back memories!
"BARIDOREEN HASSHIN!"
And a final pose at the end of the night...
Halloween 2006: Project Leader, Kell KomatsubaraBijomaru's sword
Erik's "Kurosaki Ichigo" sword
More of Tama-Chan's Kurosaki Ichigo cosplay...
Now for pics of Halloween NIGHT!!!!
Kazu as "Itachi" from "Naruto"
Mari as "Chiyo-Chan" of "AZUMANGA DAIOH"
Erik as "Kurosaki Ichigo" from "BLEACH"
Kell as "Bijomaru Mogami" of "AZUMI"
The late Bob Verrey and his wife Pam as "Jinbei" and "Himura Kenshin"
Marvin as some College Grad needing a job...
Kazu joining some other "Naruto" Cosplayers...
Wow, these guys bring back memories!
"BARIDOREEN HASSHIN!"
And a final pose at the end of the night...
We will be having access to a dressmaker in Hong Kong that we have been dealing with since last year. If anyone wants a CUSTOM built cosplaying outfit, let us know asap! It takes them 8 weeks to build one, and the more they have, the longer it may take. Also, if we can get five or more costumes, they will take a little more off the total bill. Email me at shiroisuisei@gmail.com
Thanks!
Japan 2007: Project leader, Eric Kihara
Oahu Anime Explorer 2007 trip:
Name:__________________________________Phone:_______________________ Address:________________________________________________________________
Have you been to Japan before?_________
When should the trip be?
I. Spring
Pro: Good weather, sakura blossoms and most things are open.
Con: Not much time to save up, not many special events.
II. Summer
Pro: Summer break, many special events and time to save money
Con: Hot weather, more expensive during summer.
III. Fall
Pro: Nice weather, many special events, lots of time to get money
Con: Not everyone has time off
IV. Winter
Pro: Snow festival!
Con: Are you nuts?!? It’s COLD!
What activities would you like to see/do?
_____ Mount Fuji
_____ Tokyo Tower
_____ Ghibli Museum
_____ Gundam Museum
_____ Tokyo Disneyland
_____ Tsukiji Market
_____ Nikko Valley (Nature Tour)
_____ Asakusa Kanon Temple
Some places/activities outside Tokyo:
_____ Nara Deer park/Temple (Kyoto)
_____ Golden Pavilion (Kyoto)
_____ Todaiji Temple (Kyoto)
_____ Philosopher’s walk (Kyoto)
_____ Osaka Castle
_____ Osaka Aquarium
Suggestions:____________________________________
______________________________________________