Consulate-General of Japan Helps Anime North Celebrate 20th Anniversary
Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama with
the kimono models of the Anime North Fashion Show
The Consulate-General of Japan participated once again this year in Anime North, the biggest anime fan convention in Canada which was celebrating its 20th anniversary May 27 to 29.
Consul-General Yasunori Nakayama attended the Fashion Show on May 28 to present a Special Award to his favourite from among the various genres being featured, such as Lolita, gyaru, visual kei and others. In his remarks, Consul-General Nakayama said he himself had secretly been a fan of shojo manga (girl's manga) when he was young, and that he was moved by how young people today were expressing themselves through fashion.
“It was extremely difficult for me to choose a particular section of the show above others, but choose I must,” he said. “I am pleased to declare that the kimono section is the winner of the Consul-General’s Special Award!” Ms. Christina Stoppa, the kimono section leader, came forward to accept the award.
The Consul-General also conferred a commendation to Anime North for its contributions toward promoting understanding of Japan and deepening Japan-Canada friendship. The Commendation was accepted on behalf of Anime North by its founder, Mr. Donald Simmons.
Later in the day, a panel discussion entitled “Anime+Ramen”, in which experts examined various facets of the relationship between cartoons and noodles, was hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan. On the panel were: Chef Nathan Hogan of George Brown College; Chef Ryuichiro Takahashi, the owner chef of Ryus Noodle Bar; Mr. Geoffrey Grieg, an anime and pop culture expert; and Mr. Rui Umezawa, a Toronto author and the Chief Advisor to the Consul-General of Japan.
Throughout the weekend, Anime North attendees, totalling over 30,000, were also able to enjoy the Shojo Anime Poster Exhibition, showcasing posters featuring female anime characters. The exhibition was presented by the Consulate-General of Japan and the Japan Foundation, Toronto.
The Anime North Fashion Show showcases
various genres of Japanese street fashion.
Consul-General Nakayama gives remarks.
Consul-General Nakayama presents the Sepcial Award to
the kimono section leader, Ms. Christina Stoppa.
Mr. Donald Simmons, accepts the Consul-General's Commendation on behalf of Anime North.
A large attendance at the Anime+Ramen panel discussion.
Chef Nathan Hogan shares his expertise on ramen.
Mr. Geoffrey Grieg on anime's relationship with ramen.
Chef Ryuichiro Takahashi shares his insights.
Mr. Rui Umezawa recounts how ramen and manga have affected him.
The panel of experts take questions from the audience.
Anime North attendees take in the Shojo Anime Poster Exhibition.
