Tamashii Convention 2015: Igniting the Japanese Spirit in You
Ladies in costume
The Japanese culture is one of the most fascinating in the world and students from De La Salle University have definitely taken notice of this. What used to be an event solely for the purpose of promoting the Japanese culture has now become a true festival in every sense of the word. We’re talking about Nihon KenkyuuKai’s (日本研究会) Tamashii Convention! Organized by De La Salle University’s professional organization for Japanese Studies majors and other Japanese-culture loving students, the convention otherwise known as “TamaCon” is now on its third year of spreading Japanese culture to all Japanese culture fans! We’re not just talking about anime. We’re talking fashion and food as well. Tamashii translates to soul or spirit; thus, the one-day cultural event’s theme of “Igniting the Japanese Spirit”.
The crowd at this year’s Tamashii Convention
The Ema interactive booth at the 2015 TamaCon
Omikuji fortune reading
The Kingyo Sukui or Fishing booth
Held at the SMX Convention Center last March 28, 2015, the crowd was a good mix of Japanese culture enthusiasts, anime lovers, cosplayers, and curious students. What makes #TamaCon2015 so special is how it mixes old and new Japanese culture. Participants in the convention got the chance to try out making a wish and having their fortune told in a makeshift shrine. First was the Ema. This is where one writes his or her wish in a small piece of wood and hangs it with the hopes of it coming true. Second, was the Omikuji where one can have his or her fortune told Japanese style by randomly picking a piece of paper with your fortune written on it. You then tie it up in the shrine similar to the Ema. Other fun booths present in the convention were the fishing booth or Kingyo Sukui and the shooting game. Trying these booths come with a small fee, but it is totally worth it.
Cute dresses and accessories from Kawaii PH
Plush toys of Japanese cartoons
Japanese toys/figurines on display by Team Onii-chan
Hoshi to Sora performing
There was never a dull moment during the TamaCon and there is sure to be something that will pique your interest everywhere you look. Shops selling kawaii dresses, costumes, plush toys accessories and even kimonos abound. There were also exhibits of Japanese toys and figurines. Mini games were held and bands singing Japanese songs and themes songs from animes also performed throughout the day. There was also a talk by Dr. Benjamin San Jose from De La Salle University’s International Studies Department on “The Shojo in Japanese Popular Culture: Hayao Miyazaki and its resonance to the Philippine Social Experience”.
Another notable event during the day was the Kawaii Japanese Street Fashion Show. Japan’s fashion has come to be one of the most followed in the world and has even developed to be a sub-culture. The collections presented showed dresses (both long and short) in lovely florals, lace, pinks and many more. Attention to detail, self-expression and making a statement were truly shown in the many pieces during the show. The group cosplay performance and individual cosplay competition also drew much attention as many of the people present are fans of anime, which plays a big role in Japanese culture. A JPOP Idol Contest was also held later in the day.
The Cake & Coffee club
Cookies and Chocolate Cream
One would surely be worn out after a day of trying out interactive booths, listening to music, playing games and watching shows and contests. Nihon Kenkyuu Kai did not forget this and did not fall short in providing an area where participants can wind down. The Cake and Coffee club with its menu of cakes, cupcakes and specialty drinks is the perfect place to end your day filled with Japanese fun.
Nihon Kenkyuu Kai’s Tamashii Convention is an event that truly brought Japanese culture to Philippine shores in a very fun yet insightful form and we can just imagine what fun next year’s convention will have in store for us.
Photos and article by Carol Premacio.
