CharaExpo 2015

Anime, manga, games and cosplay galore! CharaExpo was the newest Japanese content-related event to be held in Singapore and featured some of the most prominent names in the anime and manga world today such as nitro+, Visual Art’s, Takahashi Yōichi, KANAME☆ and many more. Spread over the weekend of 20 to 21 June 2015, the two days of exhibition offered visitors a chance to buy memorabilia from their favourite anime and manga series, listen to various artists from the industry share their thoughts and experiences, and even take part in tabletop card games for a chance to win some great prizes.

First there was the J-wave and everything Japanese flooded our local screens from dramas such as Shomuni and Overtime to J-pop groups like SMAP. Now, we have entered the K-wave and what was “moshi moshi” has been replaced by “annyeong haseyo”, K-pop groups, dramas and Korean culture in general.

Conversely, the Japanese anime culture has emerged stronger than ever and gained a huge following among youths and adults alike. After all, the Japanese are well-known for their animation quality, plot lines and it would seem, imagination in general. Beautifully animated magical girls and dystopian futures complete with eye-candy action and heart-wrenching plot twists continue to capture the hearts of otakus (a term that commonly refers to people obssessed with anime and manga) everywhere. We all need a good escape into fantasy every now and then from reality, either through marvelling at Doraemon’s countless futuristic gadgets or dreaming of having powers like Naruto to save the village and the world.

The otaku culture is ostensibly exemplified by men and teenage boys obsessing over Japanese anime, manga and/or games, and learning the Japanese language and culture. As I looked across the exhibition hall, that was partially true. The Card Game Area was dominated by boys battling it out over their favourite card game while the long snaking queues for manga and games paraphernalia was largely filled with groups of adolescent male.

However, there were also quite a fair bit of ladies, families and general public of all ages checking out the sights and displays. The kids were particularly enamoured by the cosplayers dressed up as warriors complete with swords and all and posing with them for photos. I also noticed some families around the hall, excitedly taking photos with the various displays such as the giant Doraemon figurine.

At the Entertainment Stage area, there were ongoing interview panels with various Japanese voice artists (also known as “seiyuu”) and game producers. The Movie Area at the other end of the exhibition hall offered screenings of popular animated films such as Arpeggio of Blue Steel and The Last: Naruto the Movie. Interestingly, there was also a Pro-Wrestling Ring Area that offers exhibition matches twice a day.

 

All in all, CharaExpo 2015 had something for everyone, no matter whether you are an ardent Japanese anime and manga fan, or just someone curious about the otaku culture.