Auchinawa 2010 Announces Events and Guests
Auchinawa is a Japanese culture convention – the biggest event of its kind in Scotland. It is held every two years, and in 2010 it is being run in Edinburgh. This evening, plans regarding the 2010 event were released to the public.
Being the chairman of the organising committee, it’s quite tough for me to write objectively about Auchinawa, at least without it seeming like some kind of shameless promotion. From it’s inception back in the halcyon days of 2003-ish as a Scottish equivilant to English anime conventions such as Amecon, Ayacon and Minami-con, it has steadily grown over the years – in both ambition and attendance – and is something we’ve all become rather proud of. It’s not always been smooth sailing, mind: we’ve had to deal with venue shakeups, committee restructuring and financial peril at times, but the reward of seeing fans of Japanese culture come together for an entire weekend of camaraderie is distinctly worth it every time.
Tonight’s announcement detailed two of the special guests attending Auchi 2010:
…we’re very happy to announce the return of Jan Scott-Frazier to Auchinawa 2010.
Having established herself as a beloved member of the Auchi family at both ’06 and ’08, we look forward to hearing more tales of working in the Japanese animation industry, founding her own animation production company in Thailand and fending off snakes with an MP5.
In addition to travelling the con circuit dispensing wisdom, her more recent work involves producing Voices for Peace along with such luminaries as Greg Ayres, Chris Patton and Michael Sinterniklaas to name but a few.
We are also excited to have with us for the first time costume designer, model and cosplayer Yaya Han. A frequent guest down south at The Grand International Cosplay Ball, we’re delighted to be bringing her north of the border for the first time to share her experience in costume and cosplay accessory design, as well as what it’s like to cosplay for a living!
Jan Scott-Frazier and Yaya Han
Additionally, it gave a rundown on just a few of the events planned for the weekend:
- Cosplay Ceilidh/Ball - Something we’ve been hoping to try out for a number of years now, the traditional Cosplay Ball with a distinctly Scottish twist. Best get your dancing shoes ready!
- EGL Picnic - We Cordially Extend our invitation to our Elegant Garden Party. Our gentlemanly butlers will be on hand to serve you and your every need whilst you discuss the finer points in life and compare your favourite lolita fashion styles. Mid party, Yaya Han will be on hand to present a Q+A session about making your own couture accessories to perfectly match each outfit.
- Matsuri - Though it’s cold outside, celebrate indoors with our Matsuri! Slip into your yukata, step into the world of Nippon festival culture and sample a little of each Japanese season with our traditional style matsuri. Each seasonal stall will be jam packed with festival games, trinkets, sweets and competitions so pop in for a quick trip to Japan without the 13 hour flight!
- Adult Event - Back due to popular demand, Sephi and Ratchet will take your hand and drag you through the more sorded side of our favourite obsession. Complete with cheeky games, re-dubbed Hentai and audience participation. Attendees of a sensitive disposition need not apply! 18+ only.
Ozarin hope to run a panel in some capacity, though plans are still being finialized – watch this space!
While all 500 available places were snapped up in a matter of days, there is still a chance to attend if you get your name on the waiting list. So if you missed out on grabbing a ticket to what is sure to be Scotland’s most exciting J-culture event of the year, all hope is not lost!
Visit the Auchinawa website to learn more.
Are you planning on attending Auchinawa 2010? What events are you hoping to see at the convention? Let us know in the comments section below!
- Image – Auchinawa mascot Klay © Auchinawa Committee
- Image – Jan Scott-Frazier – Homepage
- Image – Yaya Han – Homepage
