SYDNEY \u00a1V September 8, 2010 \u00a1V Animania, Australia\u00a1\u00a6s biggest and original Japanese pop culture festival is back for its signature weekend event. See us at the Australian Technology Park on September 11-12 for all the fun.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year Animania welcomes Ms Rika Matsumoto, Japanese voice actress of Ash Ketchum from the much loved Pokemon series. There\u00a1\u00a6s everything and more at the Animania Festival Weekend:<\/p>\n
CAFE LUCIOLE<\/strong><\/p>\n Treat yourself to a little luxury at the Animania and visit Cafe Luciole, Animania’s first Maid Cafe. Maid-style cafes or cosplay restaurants are increasingly popular in Japan. These unique cafes feature costumed waitstaff, often as maids or butlers, who provide homely service and attention for the customer. We invite you to be our very special guests at Cafe Luciole and enjoy a break in your busy day with a cup of tea or some delicious cake (make sure to try to Cafe Luciole special!).<\/p>\n ART SPACE <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Make a wish and help Animania fold a thousand cranes for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan. In the Living Art Space, <\/em>discover traditional Japanese music, dress up as a geisha, <\/em>or see the dolls that have taken the world by storm in the Asian Ball Jointed Dolls Showcase. <\/em>Also, don\u00a1\u00a6t miss out on our new maid cafe<\/em>, and experience urban Tokyo in the heart of Sydney!<\/p>\n MAIN STAGE & CHIBI STAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n On the main stage, Animania will announce the winners of the World Cosplay Summit <\/em>(WCS). Held annually in Japan, the competition <\/em>showcases the best in Cosplay talent from around the world. Animania will also host a number of fun competitions, such as Dual Artist, <\/em>where amateur artists will unfold live artwork onstage. On the mini \u00a1\u00a5Chibi\u00a1\u00a6 stage, catch the highly anticipated screening of the World Cosplay Summit straight from Japan. Our guest of honour, Rika Matsumoto, will make a guest appearance on Sunday.<\/p>\n COSPLAY HQ<\/strong><\/p>\n At Cosplay HQ you\u00a1\u00a6ll find Australia\u00a1\u00a6s best Cosplay competitions, the Cosplay Expo and Cosplay Photo shoot!\u00a0 Come and see the WCS<\/em> Final<\/em> to find out who will represent Australia in the international Cosplay competition next year in Japan. Special guests include Katherine Lee, a previous WCS contender and \u00a1\u00a5Hexlord,\u00a1\u00a6 a renowned Cosplay photographer from Singapore.<\/p>\n PANEL ROOM<\/strong><\/p>\n Industry professionals, artists, academics and community group representatives will lead a range of discussions. Find your feet in the vast sea of anime and manga, its surrounding culture and genres, and pick up some valuable techniques in drawing, Cosplay, and photography<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Other attractions:<\/strong><\/p>\n EVENT SUMMARY<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>WHEN: <\/strong>Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, 2010<\/p>\n WHERE:<\/strong> The Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh (within walking distance of Redfern Station)<\/p>\n TIME:<\/strong> 10am \u00a1V 6pm<\/p>\n ADVANCE SALES TICKETS (by Sept 8):<\/strong> Adult $37 \/ *Child $27<\/p>\n DOOR SALES (Cash only):<\/strong> Adult $35 \/ *Child $25\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n *Children (5-12 years) must be accompanied by an adult; children under 5 free.<\/p>\n **Discounts apply for two-day weekend passes.<\/p>\n\n