STGCC 2014 : Event Recap

Event: Singapore Toy Game & Comic Convention (STGCC)

Organised By: Reed Exhibitions

Date: 6th Sept - 7 Sept 2014

Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre (MBS)

Link: http://www.singaporetgcc.com/

*Warning*: As usual, there are a TON of photos ahead! Massive photodump!

Project Harata once again decided to attend for this year's annual Singapore Toy, Games & Comics Convention (STGCC)! With high hopes, Rizky and I head down to the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre to catch some of the latest news on many pop culture related topics and see some of the newest goods that comic and game companies have to offer. ( Sadly, Emi couldn't be here with us this time D: )

~ Rian

For a coverage of The Creator's Panel which was held during the event, please check out the other blogpost, STGCC Creator's Panel!

STGCC 2014 : The Creator's Panel

A panel headed by Makoto Kedouin, Tomokazu Sugita and Nao Shirahane

This year's Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention had been a joyride to attend, with much to see and a variety of interesting merchandise to purchase. However, I came down with the sole objective of catching the Creator's Panel in action - A panel headed by author of Corpse Party Makoto Kedouin, well-renowned voice actor Tomokazu Sugita as well as famous illustrator Nao Shirahane. The panel was dedicated to discussing the ups and downs of the life of a 'creator', be it whatever genre of media said creator is developing.
With my curiosity regarding the creative process of these three talented 'creators' at its peak, I made my way down to the stage area where the panel will be held, and wait in anticipation as they prep the stage for the Creator's Panel.

~ Rizky

STGCC 2013: Redjuice (Interview)

A picture of the man himself, Redjuice!
Photo Credits: STGCC

A popular illustrator from the Kouchi prefecture in Japan, Redjuice (a.k.a. Shiru) blessed this year's Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention (STGCC) with his presence! For those who do not know who Redjuice is, maybe if i told you that he was a key character designer for the anime "Guilty Crown", then it would ring a few bells in your mind. Project Harata was lucky enough to squeeze in a quick interview with this awesome artist, and I sure was glad to meet such a well reknowned illustrator :)


Photo Credits: STGCC

Without further ado, the interview!
~ Rian

STGCC 2013: Aza Miyuko (Interview)

Aza as Inori from the popular hit anime, Guilty Crown
Photo Credits: STGCC

A cosplay sensation, Aza Miyuko is a well known cosplayer hailing from Korea. She made her way down to this year's Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention (STGCC) to be a VIP of this year's annual event. She was definitely a hit with the crowd at the main event, with many people queuing up to take pictures with her and trying to talk to her. I'm just glad that Emi and I were able to get to sit down and talk with her for a quick interview :) I hope she'll be able to get to return back to Singapore for another event!

~Rian

*Note: As this was a round robin interview, not all the questions were asked by us. Credits to all the other media entities who contributed questions!

Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2013 Day 2

Event: Singapore Toy Game & Comic Convention (STGCC)

Organised By: Reed Exhibitions

Date: 31st Aug - 1st Sept 2013

Time: 10am - 8pm

Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre (MBS)

Link: http://www.singaporetgcc.com/

On the first of last month, the Project Harata team went down to Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre (MBSCC) in the heart of Singapore’s business district for the annual Singapore Toys Games and Comics Convention (STGCC for short). However, as it was Emi’s birthday on that day, I worked alone that day to let her do her own thing for her birthday. So here’s my recap of a sad, lonely time at STGCC (sobsob).
[just kidding, haha! (: ]
  ~Rian

Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2013 Day 1

Event: Singapore Toy Game & Comic Convention (STGCC)

Organised By: Reed Exhibitions

Date: 31st Aug - 1st Sept 2013

Time: 10am - 8pm

Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre (MBS)

Link: http://www.singaporetgcc.com/

*Warning: Tons of photos ahead!

Part 2: http://projectharata.blogspot.sg/2013/10/singapore-toys-games-and-comic_14.html

Last month we headed to the Marina Bay Sands Convention and Exhibition Center for the Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention. This year marks the second since Singapore’s largest toys and comics convention has shifted to MBS from Suntec. 

~Emi

STGCC 2013: Vampy Bit Me aka Linda Le (Interview)

Picture Credits : STGCC

I'm sure that a portion of you will jump at the sight of this beautiful girl's name.
Vampy Bit Me, also known as Linda Le, is a western cosplayer hailing from the US of A.


Picture Credits : STGCC
Meeting her was a very exciting thing for me, because for once i was able to meet a cosplayer this popular and all. (Still a newbie at media here, haha..)
So anyway, enough about me and more onto Vampy!~

~ Rian

*Note: As this was a round robin interview, not all the questions were asked by us. Credits to all the other media entities who contributed questions!

STGCC 2013: Hideo Baba (Interview)

Picture Credits : STGCC

Some of you will know this Japanese game producer from his popular game series, the "Tales of" series. This series includes titles like Tales of Xillia and Tales of Graces, released in 2011 and 2009 respectively.

Picture Credits : STGCC

It was an honour to meet such an awesome game producer, although this is my first interview.

I was nervous at first, so i couldn't really churn out many questions to ask..

Will try to become a better interviewer!

Before i go and babble on, here's the interview with Hideo Baba!

~Rian

We would also like to credit the other bloggers who were in the same round robin interview group as us, so if you're interested, do check out their blogs too!

The Neo Tokyo Project
Ani-Culture
Speedknight

//If we missed out anyone, please drop a comment and we will credit you too!

~Emi

STGCC 2013: Media Preview - Photo Pimp!

Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2013

Date: 31st Aug & 1st Sept (Sat/Sun) 

Time: 10am - 8pm

Venue: Hall B & C, Level 1

Sands Expo & Convention Centre

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT (Circle Line)

The Project Harata team was invited to the Media Preview for STGCC on Thursday, 28th August 2013. 

Last year, I (Emi) went together with Seren, but since she's overseas now pursuing higher education, there' s a new junior writer taking her place ~ *drumrolls* Rian! 

Media Release: STGCC sets off on an exhilarating pop culture expedition

STGCC sets off on an exhilarating pop culture expedition

• Star-studded league of 24 celebrated personalities from 8 countries
• Over 180 exhibitors with toys, games and comics offerings
• Close to 120 STGCC exclusives and product launches

Singapore, 31 August 2013 – The Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC)has swung upon the shores with a splash of pop culture coolness and heavyweight offerings. Taking place over the weekend of 31 August and 1 September at the Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, this year’s STGCC boasts a power-packed line-up from exhibitors to pop culture personalities alike.

With over 180 exhibitors, this year’s STGCC is expected to attract massive crowds of 38,000 local and regional fans over the weekend. Fans will be delighted with near 120 exclusive pop culture offerings from headline exhibitors such as entertainment giant Disney, premium toy figurine companies Hot Toys and ENTERBAY, and famous game developer NAMCO BANDAI.

Not only are the 24 notable personalities from both Eastern and Western pop culture scenes here to meet and greet fans, but some of them have brought their very own crafts to STGCC. Simone Legno, inventor of the much raved tokidoki brand, has brought in a limited edition vinyl unicorno which was first launched at the San Diego Comic Con 2013. David Mack, famed for his Daredevil and KABUKI, has brought in his newest Neil Gaiman print and original art pages from his highly-acclaimed works. From the East, illustrator and designer redjuice will arrive armed with his most popular art books. Get your collectibles autographed by the creators themselves at STGCC!

Be dazzled by the interactive exhibition booths and exclusive show screenings on the show floor. Don’t forget to snap photos of the spectacular display of the Hall of Armor and holographic display showcases, which recreate the movie setting from this year’s blockbuster Iron Man III.

Media Release: Hot Toys gears up for action at STGCC 2013

STGCC is happening just next weekend! Are you ready for it? Check out the latest updates from the organisers:

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Singapore, 16 August 2013 – With just two more weeks to an explosive action-packed weekend, the Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) unleashes the crowning content from Hot Toys, together with more talented pop culture personalities joining the Walk of Fame.

Image Credtis: STGCC Official Website

Media Release: Constellation of Star Toy Designers and Toy Exclusives at STGCC 2013

More Asian pop culture personalities coming aboard the show

Image Credtis: STGCC Official Website

Singapore, 25 July 2013 – Members of the illustrious toy-designing faculty have confirmed their presence at the Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC), and this army of toy designers is sure to set tongues wagging and hearts aflutter. These incredibly gifted toy designers with huge international cult followings include Angry Woebots, Jesse Yu akaJ★RYU and Luke Chueh.

Adding on to the impressive list, premium toy figurine company ENTERBAY marches in with their exclusive NBA collection, and this will be their first launch in Singapore at STGCC. Perennial crowd favourite Hot Toys returns with its 2013 Toy Fairs Exclusive, comprising three macho figures from The First Avenger, G.I. Joe Retaliation and Superman III. Founder of the much-lauded tokidoki, Simone Legno is back in town with his popular merchandise.

As the spotlight shifts to highlight the eastern pop culture personalities, fans will rejoice at the sight of more famous names joining the line-up. From Korea, we have cosplayer Aza(previously known as Miyuko) with her dashing costumes, and from Japan, we have Yuyoyuppe, vocaloid producer with his ground-shaking pieces. Also from Japan, NAMCO BANDAI Games brings in Hideo Baba, who oversaw the birth of the Tales of series, one of the most critically acclaimed Japanese role-playing game (J-RPG)franchises. Baba-san will be here to experience his first trip to Singapore for STGCC.

Media Release: Go “MAD” with Joe Madureira at STGCC 2013!

Image Credtis: STGCC Official Website

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Madureira/157043750975722

Singapore, 10 July 2013 – Come September, Joe Madureira will make his first paramount appearance in Singapore at the highly-anticipated Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2013. Marvel Comics book writer/artist and game developer, he is acclaimed for his works on Marvel Comics’ Uncanny X-Men and his creator-owned comic book Battle Chasers.

Affectionately known as Joe MAD among his fans, his latest art style is coloured with influence from Japanese manga and anime.

Recently, Joe MAD is working hard to dish out more fascinating artwork of fans’ favourite characters from Marvel Comics. Reunited with writer Zeb Wells for the latest Savage Wolverine, which started an arc pitting Wolverine and Elektra against formidable agents of the ninja cult, the original Avenging Spider-Man creative team has once again combined forces to create earth-shattering works for avid comic fans.

Joe MAD will be here in Singapore for the first time at STGCC, and he will be joining the Walk of Fame to get up-close and personal with his fans. He will be bringing along some surprises as well, exclusively for fans only.

Be sure to catch Joe MAD in action at STGCC, which will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Marina Bay Sands from 31 August to 1 September 2013.

Media Release: STGCC 2013 returns to galvanise Singapore’s pop culture sphere!

Image Credtis: STGCC Official Website

Marvel Comics’ artists Adi Granov and David Mack headline the first wave of pop culture personalities

Singapore, 17 June 2013 – The annual Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) is back for another electrifying weekend to satisfy the pop culture cravings of fans in the Southeast Asia. Fans can look forward to meeting Marvel Comics’ artist Adi Granov, the designer behind Iron Man’s trademark red and gold armour on the silver screens, as well as David Mack, famed for his works Daredevil and KABUKI. Both will be in Singapore for the first time at STGCC.

From the popular cosplay scene, cosplayer Vampy Bit Me will jazz up the show floor with her enticingly gorgeous depictions of famous characters from the universe of DC Comics, Marvel Comics, anime and videogame. Fans will be delighted to know that Vampy will be donning brand new costumes at STGCC.

Redjuice, a rising star in the anime industry and the gifted character designer of the hit anime Guilty Crown, will be joining the line-up of comic artists at STGCC. The riotously creative design team behind the highly sought-after TO-FU OYAKO, DEVILROBOTS, will also be back in town due to popular demand.

Up-and-coming music producer DJ kz (livetune) will also rock the floor of STGCC with his latest creations of masterful mixes. This year’s STGCC will also see TAM, armed with his classical violin, performing uniquely refreshing renditions of musical tunes from genres like Anime and Game, which will definitely captivate the senses of fans from both the East and West. Listen up as TAM will be doing a special set list exclusively for STGCC.

Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention 2012

It's been a week since STGCC ended! Missed it terribly, especially the guests (TOUYA, KOUSAKA AND JACKY T.T COME BACK PLEASE!), and even Kiyoko too! (if you don't know, she's the translator for Touya and Kousaka)

Thankfully, we (Emi and Seren) were able to join the event as media representatives this year! It was a really fun experience and we thank STGCC and Reed Exhibitions for giving us this chance to cover the event! Even though it meant less sleep (For Seren at least, since she had to wake up super early to prepare gifts for some of the guests), arriving at the venue at 9am, sneaking into the 3rd floor washroom to use the awesome makeup counter that they have in there, sneaking back out to get to the first floor etc, it was really really awesome!

STGCC 2012: Piko (Interview)

Having first started sharing his voice to the world via song covers on Nico Nico Douga in 2007, he has since progressed immensely and become a professional singer. He is known for having an extremely large vocal range, spanning that of both genders, and also for his distinctly androgynous styling.

His videos online have received more than 25 000 000 (that’s million) views, and he holds the record as the individual who took the shortest time to stage his first live performance at Shibuya AX from the time of the debut of his first CD. His major single debut was made in 2010 with the song “Story”, and his third single, “Sakurane”, became an instant hit and was used as the ending song of the anime Yorinuki Gintama-san. Soon after, he released his first album, 1PIKO, attaining 7^th place on the Oricon charts.

When he walked into the interview room, he distinctly had the air of a celebrity - someone who was impeccably styled, with an entourage following behind. When he opened his mouth, this impression was enhanced by his friendly, yet slightly subdued tone. I (Seren) found myself getting nervous over my Japanese – with this person, it probably has to be perfect. When I actually started asking the questions, though, the nervousness subsided, and in place of it was the odd feeling of, “Oh, okay, he’s human too.”

Human with a better voice than most, it turns out. His short stage performance afterwards drew screams from the crowd, and he even came out again for an encore performance because the fans just wouldn’t stop yelling “Encore!” (In Japanese too, might I add – “Anko-ru!”) He has mentioned that he would be happy to do a full-scale concert in Singapore if he had the opportunity. Perhaps we will be able to see him here again sometime soon…

Check out the interview below~

STGCC 2012: Touya Hibiki & Kousaka Yun (Interview)

Two well-known female cosplayers from Japan, Touya Hibiki and Kousaka Yun, graced our shores last weekend as guests of STGCC. With cosplaying styles on opposite ends of the spectrum, Touya specialises in cosplaying (crossplaying) as male, typically “bishounen” characters while Yun makes full use of her delicate features and petite frame to cosplay cute, young girls.

We were very privileged to be able to have interviewed them during the STGCC Media Preview, a day before the actual convention. Touya and Yun were cosplaying as Kaito and Miku respectively from the “Senbonzakura” video, and I (Seren) swear my heart stopped for a second when we coincidentally passed them by at the escalators on the way to breakfast.

STGCC 2012: Piko's Message

It's Piko's first time in Singapore!

Appearing as a guest at STGCC 2012, Piko leaves a message to all Project Harata's viewers ~

Enjoy!

*Video Credits to Golgolak's Den, Copyright Project Harata

STGCC 2012: Tadaaki 'Jacky' Dosai (Interview)

A ‘must-know’ figure in the cosplay industry, Tadaaki “Jacky” Dosai started cosplaying since 1995. Jacky has organised various cosplay events in Japan and his rapid rise in popularity came when he was appointed as the official cosplayer for companies such as Capcom, Atlus and SNK.

Check out his interview below!

STGCC 2012: Cosplay Runway

After a hectic 3 days at STGCC covering event grounds and more, we are finally at the end of STGCC 2012!

Thought you guys may enjoy some photos of the Cosplay Runway that was held on 2nd Sept 2012, 5.30pm at the main stage, so here's a quick update.

I have to say, the number of events including Cosplay Runways sure have increased this year! Cosfest XI had one, Japanese Arts Fiesta II had one, and now STGCC has one too! It's a good thing to have a stage for cosplayers to display their awe inspiring costumes, but i'm sure the public would love to see some competitions with performances and all!

That said, STGCC's cosplay runway was really impressive, with characters from the latest Diablo III, World of Warcraft, Avengers, Final Fantasy and more. The armoured cosplays were impressive and caused many cheers from the crowds, but our guests from Japan, Touya Hibiki, Kousaka Yun as well as Tadaaki 'Jacky' Dosai brought about many cheers as well with their cosplays of "Tokiya Ichinose" from "Uta no Prince-sama", "Ranka Lee" from "Macross Frontier" and "Kotetsu Kaburagi" from "Tiger and Bunny" respectively.

Check out the photos that we have managed to shoot of the cosplayers on stage!

For all the photos, check out: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.454662361235396.104966.432795023422130&type=3