After skipping 2017 the convention Nishicon has returned with a new edition and an appropriate title for the season: Winter Wonderland. The convention will take place at the same location as last time, in the Theaterhotel Almelo on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of February. Time to take a look at the activities of the convention and pick 10 of them.
1. Anime Music Video Competition
A suggestion for the lovers of Anime Music Videos: a music video with clips of one or multiple anime series with an audio track playing behind it. During this AMV competition, which will take place on Saturday, you’ll see several submissions from people who’ve done their very best and will battle it out for the title of best AMV of Nishicon 2018. Are you staying for the Cosplay Music Video Competition? That’s good, because then you can remain at your seat for this competition because it will start right after this at 4PM on the Main Stage.
2. Cosplay Lip Sync Battle
A new activity that might return to other conventions next year: Cosplay Lip Sync Battle. You’ll go on stage in costume to put down a show as your character. This activity will take place on the Saturday.
3. Deshima Sounds
During the last edition Deshima Sounds celebrated their 10 years of existence. After so many years it’s pretty clear that the dDJ’sof Deshima Sounds are known for their ability to get the party started. Deshima Sounds at Nishicon will take place on Saturday in the Event room. Friday evening there’s also a disco in the same room.
4. Lectures: Japan in war (Russian Japanese War/Germany vs Japan in Tsingtau)
During Nishicon there’s also room to look at the history of Japan. There are two lectures about wars Japan was involved in: the Russian Japanese War which was considered to be the first great war of the 20th century, and the battle between Japan and Germany during the first World War in 1914. Both lectures will be given on the Friday.
5. Anime Lama’s
Every convention day there will be an Anime Lama’s at Nishicon. It’s an improvisation act for and by the attendants of the convention. Willing members of the audience will be picked to join on stage for an Anime Lama game. If you’re familiar with the TV show “De Lama’s” you’ll know what you can expect from this activity.
6. Workshop: Live Photo Shoot
On Sunday there’s a special photography workshop which will be given by Core Focus Photography: Live Photo Shoot. During this workshop all aspects of a photoshoot will be discussed. During a live photoshoot it’s possible to ask questions to learn more about photography and taking photos.
7. Lecture: Shinsengumi
For everyone with a passion for Japanese history, there’s an extensive lecture about the Shinsengumi: a special police force in Japan at the end of the Tokugawa-era, in the 19th century. This lecture will be given on the Saturday by Roderick Leewenhart, better known for the book series “Pindakaas (peanut butter) and Sushi” and his own pulishing company “Uitgeverij Leeuwenhart”.
8. Worst Cosplay Competition
During the afternoon on Sunday, the Main Stage is reserved for the Worst Cosplay Competition. Do you have a horribly made homemade cosplay, or one that’s just constructed with loose elements? This competition is something for you! During this competition you can present your worst cosplay. Whether it’s made from a cardboard box, one of your mom’s ugly dresses or the old jacket your grandpa used to wear with ripped leather pants below it, everything is possible. Or keep it simple and dress yourself in a garbage bag. This event is purely for fun, but it’s really fun to watch. To join this competition you can sign up at the information desk, or simply sign up before the event.
9. Concert: Dress Up Town
It has been away for a while, but during Nishicon 2018 there will be a concert again. Dress Up Town has formed in 2016 and made their debute at TomoCon 2017, only to continue and grow bigger to get their name out. Dress Up Town has planned two performances at Nishicon 2018. One on the Friday and one on the Saturday days of the convention. The concert is free to attend if you have a Friday- Saturday- or Weekend ticket.
10. Activities by Student Association Kinjin
During Nishicon 2018 Student Association Kinjin will organize several activities, among which the well known Jan-Ken-Pon, but also the Japan Quiz, Nippon Bingo, Japan Feud and Cards Against Humanity. The activities will take place at various times during the Saturday and Sunday in the Event room.
Tickets for Nishicon 2018, for the whole weekend or separate days, are still available online and it’s still possible to book a room in the Theaterhotel. More information can be found on the website of Nishicon.
Source: Nishicon
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