[Sponsored] Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Thank you Street Angels SG and Naoki Yoshihara by Ash for this wonderful opportunity to get my hair cut and permed at the newly open salon @ Liang Court! 

Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Phone: 6333 5662

Location: 177 River Valley Road #02-15/16 Liang Court

Singapore, Singapore 179030

Disclaimer: Whilst I was sponsored this hair cut by the salon, the review will be 100% true to my experience!

~ Emi

AFA SG 2013 Announcement!

SOZO has just release the website for Anime Festival Asia (Singapore) and announce the lineup for the concerts. Fan of the invited guest prepare to shell out money for tickets~!

Event: Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2013

Organised By: Sozo, Dentsu

Date: 8th - 10th Nov 2013

Location: Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre

Link: http://www.animefestival.asia/

Check out the announcement below!

~Emi

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.

Cosmo Youth Parade 2013: King x Mon, Misa,Yui & Saffron (Interview)

From Left: Misa, Saffron, Yui, Mon, King

KingxMon FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/kingxmon

Yui's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/yui930

Saffron's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/saffroncosplay

Misa's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/misapage2

As part of Cosmo Youth Parade's International Cosplay Exchange and Meet and Greet segments, cosplay guests King x Mon, Misa, Yui & Saffron were in Singapore for the weekend. We were lucky to score a group interview with all five of them recently. 

If you haven't heard of these international guests (KingxMon and Misa are from Taiwan, while Yui and Saffron are from Hong Kong), do check out their FB pages for awesome cosplays and news about their stay in SG! 

The interview was conducted in a mix of English and Chinese, so we have translated it into English for the ease of our readers. 

---------------------------------------------------  

EOY 2012

Image Credtis: The EOY Website

EOY this year was held at Marina Barrage, and featured many local talents. Activities included a Cosplay Parade as well as Stage concert items such as singing, dancing and many more!

Japan Cultural Night 2013 @ NUS!

Hey guys! Sorry about the huge gap between posts – we’ve just been really busy with school starting and things like that, but we’re back on again!

Some of you might remember that recently (or not so recently by now), NUS’s Japanese Studies Society held their annual Japanese Cultural Night. Emi and I were very happy to be able to go because although Singapore has a substantial number of events centred around anime/manga, cosplay, J-music and the like, events focusing on traditional Japanese culture are few and far between. We were treated to a series of performances by the students of NUS as well as two local J-music bands, and emerged from the theatre satisfied.

Anime Festival Asia - AFA 2012 (Part 2)

(cont'd from PART 1)

From as early as 7am, visitors to Anime Festival Asia (AFA) started queuing up to purchase tickets to enter the event grounds. By 9am, there was a HUGE crowd gathering outside the door waiting to get into the event grounds to purchase the limited edition merchandise they have on sale.

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

*CHIONG AHHHHHHH* 

Utter pandemonium occurred once the doors opened to the public. 

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

The 7500 square metre festival grounds with over 100 exhibitors showcased the widest ever range of exclusive merchandise available in Singapore for the first time. This includes Pokemon's first appearance in AFA12, with exclusive items from its Pokemon Centres, games, and regular photo sessions with a Pikachu character.

Image Credits: Project Harata 

Over 100 dolfies from all over the world was showcased in the festival. The festival als saw a gathering of the biggest licence holders in the region and a Japan entertainment zone featuring top Japanese artiste management companies and record labels.

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

The Sword Art Online booth, which sold out it's merchandise within the first day of AFA

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Danny Choo's Mirai booth

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

Image Credits:Shazzsteel

The maids and butler cafes featured a multi-national cast of maids and butlers taking on a new school inspired theme.

Image Credits: AFA Official Website

The Project Harata team checked out the cafe (we were the first in line!) on Saturday, and was slightly disappointed to note that they were only serving dessert. We were planning to have our breakfast there T.T

Nevertheless, the cakes were delicious and our serving maid, Chizu, was really cute! She did powerups with us, and even drew pictures on our plates with a selection of strawberry and chocolate sauce and mousse. Love the taste of the mousse, it was fluffy and sweet!

Image Credits: AFA Official Website

Who are your favourite girls ? 

My personal favs are Chizu, Mio, Ringo and Kiyo! 

Image Credits: AFA Official Website

Image Credits:Jimmy Cometa

Didn't check out the butler cafe cause we didn't really want to spend $40 on just desserts and coffee. And my favourite butlers were gone! T.T The boys of this year are still cute though!

Image Credits: AFA Official Website

Image Credits: AFA Official Website

The event also hosted a large crowd of Cosplayers showcasing their costumes on the event grounds. Check out the pictures Shazzsteel caught of the cosplayers roaming the event!

Thats all for AFA 2012! Thank you so much for the chance to write about AFA for all of you guys and hope that you have enjoyed our posts about AFA! 

Anime Festival Asia - AFA 2012 (Part 1)

Held on the 9th, 10th and 11th of November, the fifth edition of Anime Festival Asia (AFA) ended with a bang, with close to 85,000 visitors visiting the event grounds. The largest showcase of Japanese pop culture in Singapore ran from Friday to Sunday, and featured concerts, exclusive anime merchandise, a maid & butler cafe as well as cosplayers.

AFA 2012: RCC Champion Team SG (Interview)

PICTURE CREDITS: JIMMY COMETA

Section 8

https://www.facebook.com/WcsTeamSingapore2012

https://www.facebook.com/Section8Singapore

Raistlin

http://raistlin03.deviantart.com/

Shinji

http://worldcosplay.net/member/3516/

Cure No. 189408

Representing Singapore at the RCC held at AFA this year, Raistlin and Shinji competed against 4 other champions from regional countries Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines in an exciting finals and emerged as champions of RCC! 

We were lucky to score an interview with the champions with their hectic schedule, so read on !

~Emi

AFA 2012: Hiko & Mikot (Interview)

Credits: Golgolak's Den

Hiko's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/HIKOCOSPLAY

Hiko's Blog: http://album.blog.yam.com/datowan

Mikot's FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/tokimikot

Mikot's World Cosplay account: http://worldcosplay.net/member/Mikot/

Meeting these 2 Taiwanese cosplayers were a real delight! Mikot looked really different up close and personal (as opposed to his pictures since he looks so different every single image) while Hiko was a ball of positive energy! 

The first time that i'm conducting an interview in Chinese (seeing as Seren does most of the Japanese interviews), and I was pretty nervous about it! Stumbled over my questions a couple of time simply cause I was too nervous....Guess it's time for more practice! 

Without further ado, Hiko and Mikot's interview!

~Emi

AFA 2012: T.M.R (Interview)

IMAGE SOURCE: LAST.FM

Official FB Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/tmrevolutionofficial

To tell the truth, neither Emi nor I was very psyched up about this interview – it was the morning and we’d both slept late and neither of us knew much about T.M.R – though I WAS extremely familiar with the songs he’d done for Gundam SEED and Destiny and did love them. Still didn’t know much about T.M.R himself.

Anyway, we entered the hotel waiting area armed with questions and trying to gear up for the interview, before we were informed that due to time constraints, each media rep would only be allowed one question.

And that T.M.R’s team would have to scan our questions for propriety.

And that THEY would be the ones choosing which question we would ask out of the list we’d submitted.

And that they just had to pick the most redundant question out of all the ones we had – the one about food. Singapore’s food, specifically, which kind of sort of I suppose is relevant, considering the fact that this was his first time in Singapore, but when everyone else is asking deep, meaningful questions about his career and whatnot, WE had to be stuck with the stupid, banal-

Guh.

So, I felt like an idiot asking it, but there you go.

~Seren