Charaexpo 2016
With STGCC recently over and AFA looming over the horizon, let’s have a look back at our trip down to CharaExpo during the summer!
Having met with popular reception last year from Singaporean anime fans, Bushiroad brought back C3 CharaExpo back again for its second year; this time promising to be bigger and better than last year’s event, with a larger line-up of events and artistes making their appearances across the two days. Charaexpo also commemorated SJ50 by having invited the embassy in gracing the opening ceremony.
Stepping in to the event area at Expo Hall 7, eventgoers were greeted by awe-inspiring booth setups showcasing some of the most exciting shows in season. Sunrise stood out with its large showcase of Gunpla models, meant to showcase their latest series Iron-Blooded Orphans, as well as life size cut-outs of characters from the new Love Live series, Love Live Sunshine. Anime merchandise were readily available to please fans, with many booths setup to cater to different interest, such as VisualArts/Key’s booth selling limited edition goods from classics such as Clannad and Angel Beats! For those looking for miniature figures, Goodsmile company was there too to meet their wants.
Not to be missed was the grand wrestling ring for the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In collaboration with CharaExpo, the segment brought to event-goers two days of intense fights and awesome finishing moves. It wasn’t all about fighting though as interviews and fan meets were arranged between the matches, allowing fans to get autographs from their favourite wrestlers.
While these fights were ongoing, Trading Card Game(TCG) players were having their own battles, coming armed with their carefully tailored decks and expertly planned strategies. As these players pitted their wits against each other in the specially cordoned Card Game area, their enjoyment of the game could be felt from their bright smiles and friendly handshakes to close of their matches sometimes with a look of newfound respect for their victorious opponent shining forth from their eyes.
Tucked away in a corner near the wrestling ring was the open stage, with a line-up of smaller, quieter but no less amazing events. From autograph sessions with famous artist Na-Ga to drawing workshops from industry professionals, events in this area were conducted in a more personal fashion, engaging participants directly.
Last but definitely not the least would be the Entertainment Stage area, which played host to live performances from various musical artistes including Suzuko Mimori, who performed for a Cardfight!! Vanguard special stage cosplaying as her character from the series, Kourin Tatsunagi. Speaking of cosplay, the CharaExpo Cosplay stage competition made a return as well on the Entertainment Stage! Much like the one conducted the previous year, strong contenders strutted their stuff on stage, showing off their best work for the year yet.
After all the afternoon’s events have ended, the Entertainment Stage held the main live events for singers Suzuko Mimori and Emi Nitta. Each performance lasting one and a half hour on both days, their passionate performances would stay with fans for years to come.
With that, CharaExpo 2016 surely outdid itself this year with their ambitious lineup of events, as well as creating a unique image for itself as a one-of a kind event, bringing many interests under the same roof for all to enjoy. We look forward to seeing CharaExpo back here again next year!
Written by: Meldon