Konohanasakuya

If you are into manga or J-Pop culture you may find this news from Mainichi interesting, a new group of six "miko" (shrine maiden) called 'Konohanasakuya' has announced its debut in Tokyo. The members, who are TV personalities and models, clad in traditional red-and-white miko costumes and the group is the first of its kind to make a debut in the show business world in Japan.

Konohanasakuya-hime, in Japanaese mythology, is the blossom prince and symbol of delicate earthly life, She is the daughter of the mountain god Ohoyamatsumi, she is often considered an avatar of Japanese life especially since her symbol is the sakura. I also found that the name of 'Konohanasakuya' is also used for a manga.

(Konohanasakuya group)

(Pictures courtesy of Mainichi News)

When I saw their pictures, the first thing that crossed my mind was Kikyo! Yes they look like Kikyo from InuYasha :)

Otaku Car Festival

Only in Japan..

I wish I were in Tokyo last weekend, visiting 'Otaku' Car Festival in Odaiba on Sunday, October 4. Fans flocked to this unique festival in Tokyo's Odaiba, with some 830 vehicles adorned with illustration of popular anime and video game characters on display.

The second 'Itasha G Fesuta' was organized by a graphic magazine specializing in 'itasha' a Japanese term for cars with their bodies colorfully painted with characters from anime, manga and video games. In addition to a live painting performance on a Lincoln Limousine, featured were an array of cars, bikes and bicycles that were decorated by anime fans as well as cosplayers dressed as popular characters.

(Source: Mainichi News)

(All pictures courtesy of Mainichi)

A Tribute to Crayon Shin-chan author

A sad breaking news from Mainichi:

A body found at the bottom of a cliff on a mountain in Gunma Prefecture has been identified as that of Yoshito Usui, author of the popular manga "Crayon Shin-chan." A climber found the body on Saturday morning, and a Gunma Prefectural Police helicopter lifted it out of the area on Sunday afternoon. An autopsy conducted at Shimonita Police Station concluded that Usui likely died around Sept 11, after his lungs were crushed from the impact of the fall.A regular member, Usui had left his home on the morning of Sept 11, saying he was taking a trip to Mount Arafune. His wife filed a search request with the police the following day, when he failed to return.

In 1990, "Crayon Shin-Chan" started as series in Futubasha's 'Shukan Manga Action' magazine. The stories about five-year-old Shinosuke "Shin" Nohara and his parents, neighbors, and friends, and is set in Kasukae, Saitama Prefecture. This adventure of kindergartener who loves beautiful girls became a hit, and in 1992 an animated television version was launched . Since 2000, Crayon Shin-chan has been carried in the monthly "Manga Town" publication. Futaba officials said they had already received the manuscript for the December issue which will go on sale on Nov. 5.

(Picture from here)

Anime show

Just want to share information about some Anime and manga-related events in Sydney in this coming months:

1. Smash! Sydney Anime and Manga Show.

It's a convention for people that loves Japanese animation and comics. It's filled with over 15

vendors, 50 local and interstate artists, international guests, competition, workshops, panels

and spoons.

When : 8-9 August 2009

Where : Roundhouse UNSW

Admission : Sat $20 / Sun $18 / Both $35

2. Animania Festival - Sydney Weekend

From screening to karaoke, art workshops to video games, panel to crazy stage shows, the

2009 Animania Festival Weekend is set to be an awesome events for fans of all ages.

When : 5-6 September 2009, 10 am - 6 pm

Where : Australian Technology Park, Locomotive St, Aveleigh NSW.

3. A Night in Fantasia 2009

It's the biggest video game and anime music concert the world has ever seen.

When : Saturday 26 September 2009

Venue and ticketing informations to be announced soon.

Hope the information will be useful especially for you who reside in Sydney and surroundings.