An estimated 100,000 people attended Fan Expo.
Japanese Pop Culture Expert was a Featured Speaker at Fan Expo
Japanese pop culture expert Takamasa Sakurai gave special presentations on August 24 and 25 on the power of anime, manga, j-pop and cosplay at the Fan Expo held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Pop culture expert Takamasa Sakurai
Mr. Sakurai is an internationally renowned contents media producer, author and a Research Professor at Digital Hollywood University in Tokyo. While in Toronto, he participated as a speaker in Fan Expo’s Lolita Tea Parties, featuring former Kawaii Ambassador (Ambassador of Cuteness) Misako Aoki, and was also the featured speaker at a special lecture on Aug. 25.
Former Kawaii Ambassador Misako Aoki
He gave an overview of Japanese popular culture's popularity around the world in such countries as Russia, France, Spain, China and Brazil. In addition to touching on the potential business opportunities Japanese popular culture may present to Canadians, he expressed hope that cross-cultural friendships forged through common interests may provide avenues through which members of the international community may better understand one another.
Mr. Sakurai explains the power of Japan's popular culture through an interpreter.
Mr. Sakurai’s visit was made possible by the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto.
Mr. Sakurai poses among fans of Japanese popular culture.
