Anime Festival Asia 2008
Over. Singapore’s first anime convention is. It’s been an eventful two days and I’m quite happy with the way it ended. Now we can start looking forward to next year. Also, I just woke up and my head hurts.
Pre-Event
The convention area is divided into a few zones. The white rectangle at the bottom right is where the staff and invited guests rest. You can read up on more background information about the event from my past entries.
Again, the invited guests were May’n, Yasufumi Soejima, Koji Morimoto, Kunio Okawara, Ichiro Mizuki. I uploaded a YouTube video of the Q&A session on Saturday.
Crowd
The queue got better later in the day
Graphite drawing competition organized by NUS Anime Club
The stage area was always crowded whenever there was any performance. My 17-50mm lens couldn’t get any picture of what went on. There was a cosplay competition on the second day.
It’s a sign
Ultraman vs. a furry teddy bear
Also, since I was using a DSLR with no live preview, I had to shoot blind while holding it above the crowd.
Displays
Genius Party concept art
Koji Morimoto
There’s a display for Studio 4°C’s Genius Party. Koji Morimoto was there on Saturday for an hour to sign GP merchandises.
Animax Asia showcasing LaMB, their first in-house production
Yasufumi Soejima
LaMB is Animax Asia’s first in-house production and it is being produced right here in Singapore. It’s a one-hour sci-fi anime movie with storyboard by Yasufumi Soejima, a former GONZO animator.
I want this… D:
The figurine displays drew a constant crowd. Although the whole thing was handled by a local distributor, there were Japanese representatives from Good Smile Company and others around, and apparently they were quite impressed by the turnout. Bodes well for the future. ;)
Event limited 1/60 Exia Trans-Am mode
Airbrushing demonstration
Those of you waiting for episode 8 review can make do with this
Bandai and Gundam have quite a presence at the event because Bandai recently set up an Asian branch in Singapore. No questions were asked about why there were so many Gundam 00 fans in Singapore when the show is not available here. *cough*
Imaginary Friends Studios’ display at NUS Graphite
Pepper
Pepper too
There were many pieces from Imaginary Friends Studios on display both at their own both and at the NUS Graphite booth. IFS is a Singaporean art studio with an impressive repertoire and has many major foreign clients such as Electronic Arts (e.g. Mirror’s Edge), Intel, Nokia, DC Comics and Penny Arcade.
I bought a copy of their latest release, The Pepper Project, which is a compilation of artworks featuring Pepper, the mascot character created by Artgerm aka Stanley Lau, the head of IFS. I got him to sign my copy.
Some works from Collateral Damage Studios
Yes May’n signed it
Anime showcases from everyone’s favourite company
Hehe
Seriously though, Odex did a decent job
Local distributor Chuangyi Comics
Some manga-related displays
Cosplay
I apologize for my poor photography as usual… I should really get around to getting a Speedlite. If only some kind soul would donate a 580 EX to me. My birthday is in January by the way. :D
Awesome
It’s running away
This can only mean one thing: giant cockroaches
Miku got a haircut
Concert
Ichiro Mizuki performed on Saturday night and May’n performed on Sunday night.
I didn’t attend Mizuki’s concert but I heard it was pretty awesome. I did watch him perform during rehearsal on Friday and during the cosplay competition on Sunday. (He was one of the judges.)
Waiting for May’n
I did attend May’n's concert. It was one of the most awesome moments of the past year and a perfect end to the event. Her stage presence is truly captivating and her vocals are the real deal. I was standing right at the front and the atmosphere was just perfect. Sheryl Nome was on stage.
Unfortunately, photography was banned during her concert so I don’t have anything for you to see, especially since I was at the front where all the staff members were…
Okay just kidding. I have obtained some top secret photographs taken by other people. Many Bothan spies died to bring us these pictures. Not that you can see much in them.
The MCs
Camera LCDs
Pictures taken by LianYL of RIUVA. Please arrest him instead
May’n's dancers, Junko and Mizuki
Picture taken by Double. Please arrest him instead
Picture taken by Windbell. Please arrest him instead
By the way, the Sheryl cosplayer (first picture in this post) was actually a Diamond VIP ticket holder who went on stage to shake hands with May’n and receive a signed board.
And yeah, I had a Diamond VIP ticket too. Also, vicious rumours of my snubbing of May’n are competely untrue. The reality is that I did shake her hands, but at that very moment Jim (extreme right), the design director for AFA08, introduced me to May’n's manager (centre right) all of a sudden as “the guy who translated all the interview questions” and I ended up in a deer-in-the-headlight situation with me fumbling for words while attempting to bow and greet simultaneously. As any reasonably sane deer would do, I fled. orz
So yeah. I didn’t snub her. I merely ran away. >_<
People love to spell my handle as two words :(
I was asked to join Dentsu, the event organizers, for supper after the whole thing ended because I had been translating all media interview questions for the various invited guests, and the people at Dentsu wanted to thank me. May’n was there too! She signed Crazy Crazy Crazy (her debut single) for me. :D
It was worth all the time I spent on doing translations during my final year A’ Level exam period. orz
Next
What’s next? I’m sure many of us will be looking forward to the next Anime Festival Asia if it happens. Personally, I think the chances of that are quite good. From what I heard, representatives from various Japanese studios were quite impressed by AFA08, so no doubt Singapore will be receiving plenty of good publicity when they report back home.
Looking forward to next year.
P.S. Gundam 00 episode 8 post will be delayed this week due to Post Event Syndrome.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Don was the best cosplay. Other than that, I wish I had $3000 to fly over there with a Diamond VIP Ticket D:. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world…
November 24th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Thanks!! For the upload of photos… I gave up on my camera… everything I took looked orangy.. :S I was there too… The turnout was real good and this time, yes the crowd control was much better :) Hope next year will be bigger and better.
November 24th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
hmmm… yes, May’n's concert. I’m surprised the event grounds weren’t slippery from the avid fanboys’ multiple orgasms. I know the guy beside me nearly did.
Nope, no idea why there’re so many local Gundam 00 fans. Also, EVERYONE loves ODEX.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Sounds awesome. I see they had artwork from Genius Party 2 on display too. Would have been nice to meet Morimoto-san in person.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
wow…2 autographs…I envy you…
on the other hand, if May’n actually went for a Sheryl costume…
November 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
> Looking forward to next year.
Looking forward to National Service? :D
Tip – do well on the computer-based aptitude test. Yes, it really does matter.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
May’n mini concert was outstanding… her vocals… awwsome…
wonder when is she coming back?
November 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Thnx for these pictures… Simply Love them, i was hoping to post some pictures on my blog… I will give credit to you for the photos… Hope you allow me to do so… Anyway wether the answer is yes or no, plz let me noe by leaving a message on my blog… TY
S. Naoki™
November 24th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
May’n was awesome! her vocals were great and i was really glad the sound system was good. except for a small part in the middle of the concert where the the bass was too loud.
improvements needed if we’re gonna do it again next yr, but overall, it was a great 2 days of AFA08!
ps. since i was standing way back, i had some really good shots of May’n, courtesy of my fren’s 12x zoom camera. SHHH…
November 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
sigh… I wish Australia had such good anime convos, and we have to pay a lot for both ticket and stuff. I heard about that cosplayer for exia elsewhere… nice to see he was doing an armed intervention at AFA08 XD.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
It is indeed, a sign, for the Vincent. I want the Ryoko Bunny too, they told me it was sold out on the first day and then on the second day I was informed instead (by others who asked) that FREEing did not allow a sale of their products there, WTF?
Also LOL @ giant cockroaches.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
just when i was trying to look for you after you got off the stage XD
awesome that you got your CD signed!
November 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Wow the Gintama Kagura and Dad cosplay is awesome.
Oh shit Dm you just made a lot more people angry cos they got a white board and you got a signed CD!
Poor shy DM must work on his stage presence to befit his status as the Danny Choo of Singapore.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
That looks like one hell of an expo. Sure beats the stupid Anime North crap I get here in Toronto!
November 24th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Haha, I guess everybody wants Freeing Ryouko. Rumour has it she was actually on sale in the Toys N Toys booth on both days. Sold out within ten minutes of the event’s opening on both days.
Also, you lucky ass. I was told it was TJHan or somebody who didn’t manage to get his CD signed by May’N when he was up on stage (I wasn’t around to watch). Made me acknowledge the fact that the Diamond VIP just wasn’t worth it after all.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Damn im jealous. U get all the good stuff.
The cosplay competition was a disappointment. The only act I like was the Ultraman. And the Vincent and Rolo part was funny at the beginning. Anyway who won since after that I want for my lunch.
Had a great time there even when my assignment are behind schedule.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
People would kill to get a signed CD and supper with May’n!
Event was great, and all them otakus must have enjoyed the series, like Code Geese through Odex DVDs like all honest folks. I’m pretty damn sure of that. *giggle*
Good impression means a highly probable AFA09. Cheers!
November 24th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Aren’t you glad you tagged along with Lian and I to KFC last night? =)
Anyway, whatever clarifications you might have is useless; your snub of May’N has only increased your aura. HAHA.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Yah, I’m jealous, though I’d be too shy to speak to her or even know what to say since I don’t speak Japanese
November 24th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
And thus, DM escapes into WoW so as not to be murdered by jealous fans.
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A Gabriela Robin Site » May’n @ AFA’08 ReportsNovember 24th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
[...] Preview with invited guests , Events Report by Dark [...]
November 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
lol im experiencing post event syndrome…still muttering “mottekeis” and humming Yousei’s tune. don’t anyone else also think that the bass let the music down? i can only the boomboxes and her voice (thank god) and only a bit of the instrumentals..
totally unforgettable night nevertheless :D ..
November 24th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
“No questions were asked about why there were so many Gundam 00 fans in Singapore when the show is not available here. ”
1)They probably licensed it now to have a good excuse.
2)They should ask how everyone knew about May’n too.
3)I hope someone licenses macross frontier soon.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Got some info to share with you… … found on Nico Nico Douga… Looks like they have people here even…
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5338582
November 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
“No questions were asked about why there were so many Gundam 00 fans in Singapore when the show is not available here.”
Actually, it’s (season 1) was being aired in Central every Friday, 2330hrs. Good reason? However, just 3 episode will gain this number of crowds? Ehhh…
November 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
wow nice coverage. But yeah May’n concert on sunday was the best way to end such an event. I didn’t went for Mizuki concert on sat but no doubt it was a success also.
Btw, when did the cosplay competition took place on sunday? by the time i reach i think it was over already and i was looking forward to snapping some pics >_<
November 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
It started at around 2. No idea when it ended. It was quite impossible to snap any pics anyway unless you went early to save a spot at the front or you have a really good telephoto lens. Just walking around the event hall would’ve gotten you much better cosplay pictures.
Trackback from
ジオ@AFA08 | ジオの軌跡November 25th, 2008 at 4:44 am
[...] “Anime Festival Asia 2008″ – Ramblings of DarkMirage [...]
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Kyouran Kyōdai » Anime Festival Asia 08, Day 2November 25th, 2008 at 8:10 am
[...] Coverage by other bloggers: (Do let me know if I missed out on anyone..) Gordon Alafista DarkMirage The Blue Fox Alley (Misakichii) Furu Anime Panikku (Double) (Day 1, Day 2) Otakurean? (pp) Soshi [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Good event coverage, and yah, I’m sooooo jealous of the signed ‘Crazy Crazy Crazy’ single of yours.
Muahahaha. . .
No malice intended. . .
November 25th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Great coverage, DM! Otsukare! Always fun to read about events and see plenty of photos!
Sounds like you had a great time there, being able to meet and dine with May’n. Too bad they didn’t give you a press pass to cover more at leisure.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hey,
I went for the convention as well. Don’t worry about it, everyone were taking photos OPENLY. I was standing at the left of the stage and there were these flashes going on and on. Some even got a chair and stood on top of it and take. I stood at the wrong position that day. Standing behind twin towers is bad enough; in addition, there was this guy standing behind me blowing ‘cool’ air at my head! In any case, this anime convention was quite well done. I was actually expecting more! My favorite anime, One Piece, is not there. T.T. Hope that next anime convention would be held at Singapore Expo!
November 25th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
indeed, everyone was happily snapping away , untill the MC’s reminded everyone repeatedly about the no video/photo thing.
i admittedly also took a few pics, but out of respect for her, ill keep them to myself.
the entire event was a over success, there is a few ups and downs, but then, this is the first in Singapore of its kind, so im feeling rather high from all this. AFA withdrawal symptoms starting to set in :<
November 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
What? You mean May’N was at KFC? Damn, should have stayed behind with kokanaden =/
November 25th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
eh wth…i went to look for long john silvers… still having withdrawal symptoms :X..next cosplay event is at expo?
November 25th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
No, she wasn’t at KFC. You misunderstood kokanaden. What he meant was that if I hadn’t stayed back for KFC, I might have gone home and missed the supper invitation.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
That stage was simply too small for her imo, but she still did an awesome job. Hope to see more of her <3
November 26th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Thanks for the photos. Sorry, do you still remember when you caught Hoihoi-san cosplay?
November 26th, 2008 at 2:08 am
According to the EXIF data, about 5pm on the second day.
Trackback from
3 days after AFA08 « Gatou?November 26th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
[...] lot of pictures too. For more coverage of the event itself(with some pictures of May’N), try DarkMirage, FuruAnimePanikku and [...]
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Anime Festival Asia 08 Event Report! | Collateral Damage StudiosNovember 27th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
[...] the meantime, do check out the other blogger’s blogs about [...]
November 27th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Ow man, I missed the event. Too bad.
You must be having a pretty fun time down there, Mirage. In fact I think the pictures you took are quite alright; not bad at all. & I’m honest about it.
BTW how crowded was it that the MS Gundam 00 booth get in there? Looking at your comment there I suppose it must be very crowded is it?
Lastly, it’ll probably take a year or 2 before Singapore gets the Dual Audio version. It was the same with the Gundam SEED era.
November 27th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Sorry about the double post. Just want to put a side note:
Looking at the way you blog events, you sure look like you can be a potential event news reporter. :)
Trackback from
Anime Festival Asia 2008 | YeinJee's Asian NewsNovember 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
[...] out DM, Soshi and TK for more AFA [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
So lucky… I only took a pictures with the unsung heroes…
November 30th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I’m surprised you have yet to purchase at least a 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens (although I also recommend the 55-250mm lens, if you can afford the cost vs image quality loss). And, yes, for any events shoot, you definitely need a 480 EX.
I am currently experimenting with 450D, as this is the absolute beginners’ DSLR camera to play with (IMO). I’ve only recently understood how flash works, and there are ways to offset the “hard” look you sometimes get when the flash gets too bright for the good of the image.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:33 am
Ooh! You had a great time as well I see. Was indeed glad to meet you at the blogging event and at the press preview. I personally had an awesome time as well.
Nice pics! Darn, I missed the May’n/Sheryl art that CDS put up.
Took numerous pictures myself which can be seen at my blog. GASP! Shameless plug. (TT.TT)
Hope to meet you again!
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Hmm..you seem to have a great time. Darn! I’ve missed the May’N Concert as the tickets are overwhelming, even though I managed to go to the fest on 2 days and left a ‘mark’ on the ‘graphilily’ wall (hope spelt right..-_-”)..
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AFA08 Odds and Sods – LulzDecember 3rd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
[...] DarkMirage’s entry [...]