[Rant-Out Corner] Clashing of Events

So on this particular day I finally received news of when CharaExpo will be held. Initially thought they would no-show since Anime Festival Asia announce the collaboration with C3 (which CharaExpo collaborated previously too). Extremely glad because it was this event that brought in Wasuta, Starmarie, ColorPointe and Q'ulle, thus held some expectations. And also NJPW and their exhibition matches. Only problem? The date clashed with STGCC!



Before we start...
*DISCLAIMER*: The article here are just views from a writer who is very "emo" about events. They might not share the same view as you. So please dont stone him to death yah* Furthermore this article will revised from time to time. If you have any views to share, do let us know via the comments ^_^

Date clashes happens all the time. This is not to say they don't have the fan's interest at heart. There might be factors like venue availability, getting the desired target market (i.e. lets have an event on school holidays) and also purely "business" issues. The main issue with local fans here, most prefer events that wont impact their wallets much. However, unless you are one that venture overseas, events here are considered 'affordable' and even '*content-rich*. Be mindful of the asterisk there, will get there awhile.



The major clash I've experienced was AFA Thailand together with Thailand Comic Con. Both events brought idols. Both events brought pop-culture. And both events are at the extreme end of the train line (more than 10 stops!) It was hard to juggle schedule and have to prioritize one over the other for each day.  I opt for AFA for 2 days as we have an easier access to meet the idorus especially their performance and greeting sessions. Thus, we have to be quite thankful that STGCC and CharaExpo is just 2 train stops away.

So which event will lovely idols grace? Hmmm (photo of STGCC)

With distance out of the way, personally, date clashes now boils down to one thing: Which event will get the most value. Which event is *content-rich* If it were to be me of the past, priority given to one with the best anime/manga content. Ya know, typical 'weeb' stuff. However, times change and my interest slowly shifts to idoru and other aspect of J-Culture. Unless an event brings those stuff in, I am OK to give it a miss. And here comes the problem. Our demographic and target market is actually quite small. Really small! Niche stuff will probably die out quick with a snap of the finger (staring hard at maid cafes). So most organizers tend to fall on the safe side and some re-do the same old formula in drawing crowds. Example having cosplay and guest cosplay stars to grace an event. Perhaps being less ambitious is their aim since they really can't predict how well a turnout will be, so why not a tried and tested formula? People will be able to come together and mingle though content wise is nothing much to be fancy with. But having similar events almost back-to-back every month is mundane for the casual event-goer.

Thankfully AFA makes Singapore as the main centre for events and we tend to get the better content from our neighbours. We have a bigger roster for Anisong and also a bigger venue. AFA are quite inventive for the Singapore edition as we once featured a Nico Nico Kunikaigi stage, and it drew a big crowd! The gripe that most of my comrades had is that the line-up tend to be recycled. Featuring the same artistes from previous iterations.

Nico Nico Kunikaigi during AFA 2014

Lets take 'anime/manga' -centric events out of the equation. As mentioned, cosplay is the main theme for almost every event with "J-culture" stamp on it (or claimed to be J-Culture). Before them Coscom mob comes and lynch me with signs and pitchforks, there's no wrong in having cosplay. I have loads of cosplay friends, highly respected and admired on how they hone their craft. However after having attending events with just 'cosplay' and no other added content, I felt most events are a turn-off. If they were to include other aspects, the casual crowd might come. Sure its very selfish to demand, but its severely lacking the draw power. At times, I felt sad for them cosplayers too, utilising them in a manner which some lamenting conditions do not allow them to showcase their craft to the fullest potential. For a start, there's a resurgence in anisong club music, alot have been picking up the trend. Perhaps adding them in too? Sure, one might argue that such events are for people to meet and mingle. But no harm mingling around and having something new to do.

An example is Moshi Moshi Nippon. Its not an anime-centric event but neutrals sure love it. Only drawback that its very very small. But the presence of karaoke booth, harajuku fashion and having musical variety, its a breath of fresh air. To be fair, yes they have idol group BPM15Q there and I might sound biased. However if they remove the group, I would still go for it. Because there's other things to see apart from just cosplay. I would have gone to watch 'capsule' perform too! And no worries, cosplayers too have an open space to mingle around.

Moshi Moshi Nippon in Singapore

Another is SJ50 in Takashimaya too. Sure there's no idol group (I consider ColorPointe as a dancing group), but people enjoyed. Because there's alot of other things to see and different content to be experienced. But then it wouldnt be fair to draw lots of comparison since SJ50 is not entirely Pop-Culture centric.

Awadori dance showcase during SJ50

So back to STGCC vs CharaExpo. If idols are not there, I am more inclined to go to STGCC. Mainly because its an event celebrating Pop-Culture regardless its western or eastern content. Sure, abundance of cosplay, but I can experience other aspects of pop-culture such as toys and comics. Though I prefer STGCC to add more to their repertoire of con-exclusive toys (remember the free Captain Kirk and Ghostbusters mini-toy?). They're rich in their panels of artists and talents. Heck theres something for everyone. I love their meet and greet panels, they're very organized and quite alot of freedom to move about. Severely lacking though is their 'games' department. I remember they did bring 'arcade' games in the past. Now, I find games kinda non-existent. Perhaps they can consider bring in James Rolfe from the Angry Video Game Nerd series (maybe... wishful thinking they'll appear for GAMESTART perhaps?). Also, they quite aware that theres an interest in anikura and they brought in DJs and even had a DJ night.

DJ night event in STGCC

As for CharaExpo, since they have wrestling, it'll appeal that group of fans. Mind you, we actually have a big fanbase for wrestling. Where else you can find top NJPW stars upclose? Crowds going for NJPW can also visit other booths in CharaExpo to pass the time. Also, card collecting buffs will attend, there could be exclusives in terms of merchandise. Those anime / game collaborations with Bushiroad might have seiyuus and talents attending, which they did for the last 2 years. In fact, these artistes would go around to local cards around Singapore to promote CharaExpo. This would appeal to the younger audiences and its not everything you can meet and greet artistes upclose in that manner. Also, they had an anisong booth for their first maiden year which showcases the anikura sub-culture.

Perhaps more DJs for events

Will Wasuta make another appearance in either of the 2 events?

As of now, not much is known on the schedule and guest list. However, people have to realise that events can clash. If an event doesnt bring in the crowd because content lacking, its their loss. Not yours. Ticket price shouldnt be a deterrence, especially A-grade overseas cons can actually fetch up to 30-50SGD per day. You pay for what the content is worth. That being said, organizers should realise, unless it cant be helped, its good that they stagger events. They'll get a bigger market share that way. In all, when it comes to it, choose one which you inclined to go, whether its content-based or through gut feeling. Dont worry too much and just enjoy the event you end up with ^_^

And here's to hoping a very inclusive idorus only event. Mainstream or underground *cross fingers*