It is the time of the year again. June is usually the month where it marks the start of local Japanese pop culture events here in Singapore. Leading the charge is none other than Funan Anime Matsuri (FAM). Here are 5 reasons to head down to Funan DigitaLife Mall this weekend.
Admission is FREE!
For the casual crowd, one of important factor that decides their attendance is whether the entry is free or not. For the more enthusiastic people, free admission = more spending money = more phat loot, yay!
Meet Guest Artistes, Cosplayers and Illustrator!
Last year FAM had the privilege of inviting ITOWOKASHI as their guest performer. This year we are honoured to have bless4 as part of the main highlights of FAM, whose recent release is “Extra Magic Hour” – the OP for anime series ‘Amagi Brilliant Park’. AKINO from bless4, is mostly known for her single “Sousei no Aquarion” – the OP theme of the anime series “Sousei no Aquarion” when it aired in 2005. In 2015 her song “Miiro” (海色) is used as the OP theme for the anime series “Kantai Collection”.
One of the cornerstones of Japanese pop culture is cosplay, and no event with cosplaying is complete without getting to meet celebrity cosplayers! Some of you might even remember a few names (or faces) from last year. From Malaysia we have Angie and Ying Tze; from Taiwan we have NENEKO and SHIMO; from China we have Baozi & Hana, DD-Tenka and Fuyuu-Kaji.
Last but not least, for those who are familiar with Culture Japan/Danny Choo, you will almost certainly recognize the guest illustrators IKKYUU and Nao Shirahane (AKA Dmyo).
Participate in various workshop/activities!
A more unique workshop that caught my eye is the character bento-making workshop conducted by bento artist Shirley Wong, also known as Little Miss Bento. These bentos seriously look too cute to eat!
For the avid cosplay photographers, level up your photo-taking skills and knowledge with Twenty0nine; ARC; Studio Dhika at their respective photography workshops.
Learn make up/sewing tips and tricks from our talented cosplay stars. Master the art of illustration and character design from IKKYUU and Nao Shirahane. Be awed-struck by the piano renditions of your favourite anime songs, performed by Piano Minion.
Shop till you drop!
Do I need to say more? Support local/regional artists by purchasing their fan-made merchandises at the Creator Hub booths on the 13th and 14th (Sat & Sun) this weekend. Don’t forget about the various exclusive goods only available at the AFA Shop!
Meet like-minded people and share your love for Japanese pop culture!
As a regular event-goer, I never cease to be amazed by the passion people have for Japanese pop culture. The level of positive energy in the atmosphere is something that I personally find magical. The best part about all of this is that you will get to mingle with others who share the same interest as you do. The most important reason (in my opinion) for heading down to FAM is to show your love and appreciation for everyone who is involved, not just for our overseas guests but also to the organizers, sponsors and people behind the scenes – for they are the ones who make all of this possible. There is no better way to give back than to show your support by being there in person, and letting the general public know how passionate we are!
P.S. Another exhibition happening alongside FAM this month is the ongoing Gundam Docks At Singapore. Be sure to check it out too!
