After some delay, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions, it’s finally time for the first edition of Heroes Made in Asia in Gorinchem, the Netherlands! A week after Brussels’ Made in Asia, this event will take place on the 16th and the 17th of October at Evenementenhal Gorinchem.
Wondering what to do at Heroes Made in Asia? Check out our list of ten things to do at the first edition of Heroes Made in Asia!
1. Theatre Show: Japone Artists
Recently it was announced that Japone Artists, an art collective of talented Japanese performers, will perform a brand new show titled Light in Darkness at Heroes Made in Asia. The group of artists is known for their intricate and beautiful songs and performances. In this performance, they will be joined by two guest performers, pianist Misaki Yamada on keyboard and martial art performer Aristos for the theatrical combat.
The group’s leader, Utako Arakawa, said this about the upcoming show: “You will enjoy our extraordinary theatre combat and beautiful Japanese traditional scene with marvellous music and image-art screen! The spectacular and breathtaking show will invite you to an extraordinary world!”
Make sure you don’t miss the chance to watch Japone Artists perform live! Japone Artists will perform on the Main Stage at 13:45, both on Saturday and on Sunday.
2. Cosplay Workshop: Create an Amulet with Light
During this cosplay workshop, you’ll be able to create your own glowing amulet from Studio Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Awesome Makes, a group of cosplay makers and enthusiasts, will provide this workshop on both days of Heroes Made in Asia from 12:45 until 13:30.
Also make sure to visit their stand for their Electronic Kit for Cosplay, with which you can start to learn how to incorporate electronics into your cosplay.
3. Workshop: Para Para
Deshima Sounds, well known for their parties both in and outside of the Netherlands, will be giving this dance workshop. Para Para is a synchronized dance that originated in Japan, during this workshop you’ll be able to learn the best Para Para moves. Each song has its own specific kind of dance. Don’t miss this workshop, it’ll help you practice for Deshima Sounds’ performance at 17:00 on the Main Stage.
The Para Para Workshop will take place from 12:45 until 13:30 on both Saturday and Sunday.
4. Food Market
No convention is complete without some nice meals and snacks in style. HMIA’s Food Market will provide you with plenty of freshly prepared delicious foods such as taiyaki, matcha tea, kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) and even hotdogs with a Japanese twist to them. These are just a few of the many tasty treats you’ll be able to try at Heroes Made in Asia.
Looking for a sit-down meal instead of a quick snack? Be sure to check out the Maid and Butler Café provided by Sparkling Potpourri and Royal Roulette for delicious meals and a unique experience.
5. Cosplay Catwalk
As a warm-up act for the Cosplay Contest, you can participate in the Cosplay Catwalk at HMIA, from 11:15 to 11:30 each of the days of the convention. It’s an opportunity to show off your own cosplay on the Main Stage or admire those of others, without there being a competition element. The Cosplay Catwalk is a literal catwalk, you don’t need to prepare an act and will just walk onto and off of the stage. Afterwards, the Cosplay Contest will take place.
Be sure to register here if you’d like to join the Cosplay Catwalk, as there are a limited number of participants allowed.
6. Workshop: Kyaraben
Kyaraben are bento, or lunchboxes, with a specific character or characters as their theme. During this workshop, you’ll learn to create your own delicious lunchbox inspired by your favourite characters. Whether you have a favourite anime character, mascot or animal: this workshop will help you create a delicious piece of art.
Tokyo Doll, who is a mangaka, will be giving this workshop and it will only take place on Sunday from 11:30 until 12:30. She will also be giving a Manga workshop for beginners at 13:30 on both days.
7. Special Guest: Veronica Taylor
If you have watched English dubbed anime you might be familiar with Veronica Taylor. She is a voice actress who has brought many characters, both in anime and other cartoons, to life with her voice. Veronica is most well-known for being the voice of Ash Ketchum, a young boy who is the main character in Pokémon. She has also voiced characters from, among other series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball and One Piece and has voiced characters in games as well.
At Heroes Made in Asia, you will be able to meet her and buy an autograph as well. She will be present on both days of the event.
8. Workshop: Creating your own Character
Where do you start when creating a character? And how can you develop them further and further? This workshop will teach you just that, based on examples you will learn about and be guided through this process of creating your very own character. If you’re a writer or just someone who’s interested in how to build a character from scratch, you don’t want to miss this workshop.
The Creating your own Character Workshop will take place on Saturday from 14:30 to 15:30 and on Sunday from 14:45 to 15:30.
9. Workshop: Kendo
Kendo is a sport that is best compared to European fencing. Using a shinai, bamboo practice sword, you try to score points by hitting your opponent on their head, belly or wrists. During this workshop, you will be using a shinai, but the only people who get hit will be the dojo members, who will be in armour. You will learn how and where to hit your opponent. The kendo workshop will take place from 12:00 until 12:45 on both Saturday and Sunday.
Dojo Yushinkan practices two budo disciplines: iaido and kendo. They will also be giving an iaido workshop twice a day, at 10:30 and at 13:30, on both days of the event.
10. Japanese Tea Ceremony
Have you always wanted to experience a real Japanese tea ceremony? The Japanese tea ceremony, also called Cha-no-yu, is a true art form and can be found at Heroes Made in Asia. The Japanese tea ceremony will take place from 10:30 until 11:30 on both days of HMIA.
There are a lot more activities and performances to look forward to at Heroes Made in Asia. Take a look at the full programme and timetable for what else HMIA has in store for you. You can get your tickets online ahead of time, or at the door, during the event, if they’re not sold out yet.
AVO Magazine is a partner of Heroes Made in Asia Gorinchem.
