NKDS

The moment that many of us have been waiting for is finally here, the press conference of this year’s Anime Festival Asia. The organizers have released many details that would surely attract you to attend the event on the 21st and 22nd of November, with much programmes to come as the dates draw closer. The main highlights of the press con after the jump

First off, let me begin with the music guests.

This year, we have four artistes who will be flying down to Singapore for the event. Yes, double the number.

Left to right: Ichirou Mizuki, Shoko Nakagawa, Mei Nakabayashi, Yoshiki Fukuyama

Hot on the success of last year’s performances and on the request of many who missed them last year, both Aniki and May’n (BUCHOU DAISUKI!) are making a return trip to Singapore for AFA09.  Joining them will be Shoko Nakagawa (NEKO WA OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM), of cat eating fame and singer of Sora Iro Days, opening theme of the Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagaan TV series, and Yoshiki Fukuyama (BOMBAAAAAAAAAAA! Hoping to get my Fender Stratocaster autographed by him), singing voice of Nekki Basara and member of JAM Project. Word from the grapevine is that May’n and Fukuyama will be performing on the same day. So the chance of what happened at May’n Act at the beginning of the year is quite high. And why does the date of November 21st sound so familiar?

Next, is the AFA Regional Cosplay Competition. Meant to reach out to the countries of South-East Asia. The competition is open to all cosplayers within the region who wish to bring their passion out of their countries and to a higher level. It also hopes to push the envelope of Singapore cosplayers who have never had a chance to compete with other countries in such a manner. One of the judges of the competition will be Kaname (frequent cover model of Cosmode magazine and professional cosplayer, from Japan). Additional judges would be added along the way. Entry submissions would be made via dannychoo.com, starting from the 8th of September.

Kaname as Hollow Ichigo from Bleach

There’s also the maid cafe that’s being set up in the event itself. The girls who will be serving at the cafe during the event have gone through a meticulous and thorough selection process, based on both their looks, personality and level of enthusiasm.  Having been to both Cure Maid Cafe and Mai Dreamin in Akiba, the level of re-creation may not be 100% authentic (or would you rather have waiting staff that can’t speak or understand English?) but it’s close enough TBH. Food? Is it really that important?

What would AFA without Bandai? As most of us already know, this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Bandai’s most important franchise, Gundam. A main feature of the the area will be a time tunnel showcasing the various Gundam series through the years. Of course, they will be showcasing a large portion of their product lines including their Chokogin and various model lines. And yes, there will be be Gunpla and Chogokin exclusives for the event itself. And here’s something very interesting, the GunOta competition. If you think you know everything about Gundam at the back of your hand, then this competition is for you. Also, Bandai and AFA, in conjunction with dannychoo.com, will be running a worldwide Gunpla competition. More details soon.

We also have the industry section of the event. Last year, not much focus was placed on this, however, the emphasis is much larger. How much larger? On the 20th of November, the Animation Asia Conference will take place at Suntec City. AAC will feature many speakers from various segments of the animation industry of Singapore and Japan, including Danny Choo. At the event itself, top animation production companies will be showcasing their newest projects as well.

As you would have already have read on his blog, or have inferred from the multiple references above, Danny Choo will be taking time off from his busy schedule and attending the event as well. Both contests’ submission would be made via his figure.fm.site. As mentioned previously, he will be a key speaker at the AAC, as well as hosting certain items at the event itself. Word is, certain friends of his are tagging along as well.

As the event draws closer, we will be updating this post with more information as it comes along, so check back often!