Archive for the ‘Announcements’ Category

Fan-Run Pokémon Event at Zenkaikon!

Friday, April 6th, 2012

We’re happy to announce that some Pokémon fans have volunteered to host a brand new type of event at Zenkaikon 2012. The Pokémon Black and White Battle Frontier is an attendee-run event that will include a meetup, tournament, and spontaneous challenges throughout the convention. It sounds like a lot of fun! Read the full details below!

The Pokémon Black and White Battle Frontier at Zenkaikon

One thing the Pokémon Black and White games were missing was The Battle Frontier, something that previous installments in the series included. So five fans of Pokémon decided to make such a thing possible, but in real life! Throughout the convention, there will be five Frontier Brains, with special pins designating who they are, walking around for you to challenge with your Pokémon Black or Pokémon White game. Keep in mind they are attendees of the convention just like you so they may be a little busy. If so, they may ask you to wait a bit or just meet them at a later time. Each Frontier Brain has special rules for their challenge just like in the video game, and if you are fortunate enough to defeat them, you will receive a Frontier Symbol pin for their respective Battle Area. Good luck and be sure to check out the meet-up on Friday in the Board Game Room!

Pokémon Black and White Battle Frontier Meetup

Haven’t found many of the Battle Frontier Brains? Here is your chance! The Frontier Brains will all be here in the Board game room for you to challenge. There may be other people in line in front of you, but while you’re waiting your turn you could always trade or battle with the other Pokémon Trainers that show up. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Pokémon Black and White Battle Frontier Tournament
Now is your chance for the ultimate claim to fame! You’ve collected all five Frontier Symbols around the convention, what’s next? A tournament run by the Frontier Brains themselves, anyone who has collected all 5 Frontier Symbols can enter this free tournament! Battle through against other challengers to be crowned The Pokémon Black and White Battle Frontier Champion, you’ll also get a few prizes if you win or do good enough in the tournament. Good luck and try your best!

For more details and to register your interest, see the forum thread here!

Don’t forget to bring your DS! ;-)

Masquerade & Dating Game Registration Now Open!

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Registration for the Zenkaikon 2012 Masquerade and the Cosplay Dating Game is now open!

Registration for both of these events will be open through April 25, 2012, and participants should be registered for Zenkaikon before applying.

Read more about both of these fun events and apply to participate at the links below! :)

Additional Room Block Opened for Zenkaikon

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Still need a room for Zenkaikon 2012? Zenkaikon now has an additional room block at the Marriott Courtyard Valley Forge/Collegeville! A limited number of rooms are available from May 11-13, 2012 at the rate of $109 per night. Rooms include a king bed and pullout sofa bed, a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary Internet access.

Attendees interested in booking this rate should go to the Marriott Courtyard’s reservation page and use Group Code “zeezeea”. You can also call 1-800-321-2211 and ask for “Zenkaikon Entertainment Expo.”

More details on both of our room blocks is available on the Hotels page of our website.

This block expires in April 10, 2012, so book soon to take advantage of the discounted rate! :)

Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia to Provide Cultural Programming at Zenkaikon

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Zenkaikon is happy to announce that members of Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) will be providing a variety of cultural programming at Zenkaikon 2012. JASGP members will be holding workshops on yukata and kimono dressing, as well as Japanese language workshops. Attendees will be able to visit their booth to try their hands at origami, and find out more about the Society’s efforts to increase understanding of Japanese culture in the Philadelphia region.

JASGP will also be collecting donations for the Philadelphia-Japan Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will support the Soma City Disaster Orphans Scholarship Fund, which provides stipends to primary and secondary school children and scholarships for college to child orphaned by the disaster.

“We’ve worked with JASGP for several years through sponsoring activities at their Sakura Sunday event. We’re thrilled that they’ve chosen to present at Zenkaikon,” says Zenkaikon’s Convention Chair Matilda Madden.

About the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia:

Established in 1994, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) is an association of individuals, corporations and organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Its mission is to bring the peoples of Japan and United States closer together in understanding, appreciation and cooperation by promoting and encouraging a better understanding of the business, cultural, social, educational and political practices and customs of Japan and the United States.

JASGP members gain access to educational, cultural and social programs focusing on US-Japan relations, which also provide opportunities for developing personal relationships with members of both the Japanese and American communities. Membership is extended to individuals, non-profit organizations and corporations.

JASGP is the primary organization in the Greater Philadelphia region devoted to fostering relationships between Japanese and Americans. From networking events to the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival and the Philadelphia-Japan Health Sciences Dialogue, from its Japanese Conversation Club to lectures and seminars, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia offers numerous ways to get involved in the Japanese and American communities in Philadelphia.

http://www.japanphilly.org

About Zenkaikon:    

Since 2006, Zenkaikon has been bringing quality Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), and popular culture themed events to the Philadelphia area. The convention is staffed completely by volunteers, who want to share their appreciation for these mediums with the Philadelphia region. Zenkaikon features a variety of activities including anime and live action screenings, educational panels and workshops, special guests, costume competitions, concerts, video and tabletop gaming, vendors, and more. Starting as a small one-day event, the convention has grown to welcome over three thousand attendees in 2011. Zenkaikon is run by the 501(c)(3) organization Zenkaikon Entertainment, Inc. which promotes knowledge and enjoyment of Japanese art, animation, and culture.

http://www.zenkaikon.com

Japanese Alternative Fashion Show at Zenkaikon!

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

Lolita Fashion Show at Zenkaikon 2011

Thunder and frills! Visual Kei? Mori Girl? What is “J-Fashion”?

Frilladelphia, a Philadelphia-based Japanese fashion community, & MiyuMart will be presenting their “Tokyo Stomp: Japanese Alternative Fashion Show” at Zenkaikon 2012! This year, the show will take place on the Main Stage of the convention. Larger than life models will showcase popular fashion as seen in magazines, anime and manga. Unique styles such as Gyaru, Lolita, Takuya Angel, Fairy Kei and more will be explained. There will be a model Q&A at the end of the show, and an opportunity to get to know local fashion enthusiasts!

Want to get involved? The show is still looking for models for the styles of Decora, Dolly Kei, Takuya Angel, Cyber Kei, Cyber Goth, Gyaru (Casual/Everyday). Participation in the show is a volunteer activity and you will still need a Zenkaikon membership to participate.

More details on participation, including an application, can be found on MiyuMart’s website:

2012 Tokyo Stomp! Fashion Show Model Call