Special Events

Major Events

Opening Ceremonies
- (Friday, ST140 @ 7pm)

It’s otafest’s 10^th Birthday! Come join us as we wish our mascot a special 10^th birthday, and kick off this year’s celebrations in style, looking back at all our happiest and fondest memories!

Cosplay
 - (Saturday, ST140 @ 4:30pm. Overflow in ST 148. Awards @ 7:30pm)

Come watch the fruit of hundreds of dollars and hours of labour, where fans pay homage to their favourite characters through costume and skits, song and dance! Undoubtedly the most colourful and popular event at Otafest!

More information here.

AMV Contest
- (Sunday, ST140 @ 12:30pm)

The third annual Otafest anime music video competition, and fast becoming one of the most popular events at Otafest! Creators select scenes from various anime shows, set them to awesome music, and edit and splice until a beautiful music video is born.

More information here.

 

Otafest idol
 - (Saturday, ST147 @ 11am Preliminary Rounds. Sunday, ST140 @ 11am Final Round)

It’s baaack! And this time, with actually functioning speakers and mikes! We’ve upped the ante for this year’s Otafest Idol contest! Come listen to your favourite anime and J-pop songs performed live, by some of the country’s most talented undiscovered singers! Cheer for your favourite performer, and help them rack up the points for the coveted title of the 2008 Otafest Idol! 

More information here.

Anime Chess
 - (Sunday, 2 games Outdoors @ 1:30pm. In case of rain, one game indoors ST140 @ 2:30pm)

Quickly becoming one of the most popular events at North American cons everywhere, in Anime Chess, 32 cosplayers representing life-sized chess pieces cut each other down (administrative edit: not literally! Oh god, not literally!!) for the glory of King and Player! A great spectator and participation event!

Due to the popularity of this event, if you’d like to participate as a chess piece, please contact the organizer of this event directly! Send an email to Jon Wheeler at cosplaybattlechess@gmail.com. Please include in your email the following:

Name:
Email address:
Character you are cosplaying as:
Position you would like to play:

Please note that due to the popularity of this event, you may not get the position you would like to play; the event organizers reserve the right to select the participants.

 

 

Gothic Lolita Fashion Show
 - (Saturday, ST140 @ 12:30pm)

Otafest is proud to present the Gothic Lolita Fashion Show as hosted by Inspired Cat Ling Mao! Come take a look at the trend that’s all the rage – where cute and gorgeous-melancholy collide!  Check out the fabulous fashions! The beautiful bustier, the pretty petty coats! 

Anime Improv - Weekend Warmup
 - (Friday, ST140 @ 7:30pm)
404s - Anime Improv - 99 Yen challenge
- (Saturday, ST128 @ 1:30pm)
404s - Anime Improv - The Main Show
 - (Sunday, ST140 @ 4pm)

You know them, you love them! They’ve brought their show to cons all across the country and now they’re back once more! The 404s return to Otafest to perform their unique brand of anime themed improvisation! A fan favourite!

 

Awards Ceremonies
 - (Sunday, ST140 @ 6pm)

With so many competitions and contests being held at Otafest this year, who’s going to be able to keep track of all the winners and their accomplishments? You are! Come to the awards ceremony, where all the winners to all the contests will be announced and prizes are given – who knows, it might be your name coming out of those speakers!

 

Demonstrations

Taiko
 - (Saturday, Outdoors @ 1:30pm. In case of rain, Taiko will be moved into ST140 @ 2:30pm)

Otafest is proud to present Midnight Taiko! The great Japanese drums will be pounding their signature brand of musical magic at Otafest. Come listen to these powerful Japanese drums as they weave you into their enchanting spell! Just follow the sound of the rhythmic rolling thunder – you can’t miss it!

Taiko means ‘great drum’ in Japanese, and today is a musical art form performed by hundreds of thousands.

Iaido
 - (Saturday, ST147 @ 2:30pm)

Iaido is the art of Japanese sword practice done with a live blade. Dave Rathnow has practiced the art for 12 years, and has given regular demonstration and talk on Iaido at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens in Lethbridge. Be sure to check out his demonstration and mini-lecture on this exquisite art! 

Panels

Japanese 101
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 5:30pm)

Love anime? Wish you could watch it without the subtitles? This course will help you with that first step! An introduction to the basics of the Japanese language, both written and oral. 

Cosplay - Rules, Regs, Robots and Rascals
 - (Saturday, ST127 @ 2:30pm)

Recommended for cosplayers – this is the panel as hosted by our beloved Cosplay Director, explaining the deep, dark, and wildly mysterious inner working of Cosplay, Otafest’s prime event! Come with the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, and listen to the wisdom run forth!

 

Origami Extravaganza
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 4:30pm)

In the mystical forests of regular school classrooms everywhere, they can be seen, silently folding, silently moulding, creating terrible! wonderful! beautiful pieces of work from seemingly simple sheets of paper! How do they do it?!

If you’re a beginner, then come to this panel to learn the basics!

 If you’re a master, then come to show off your craft and lend a teaching hand to the next generation! 

Applegeeks
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 12pm)

It’s a sensation that’s not entirely understood yet, but webcomics are an art form that have taken the world by storm. Otafest is pleased to present Hawk and Ananth of Applegeeks fame in their first Canadian con! Come have a chance to talk to these popular webcomic artists about what Applegeeks is about, how they got started, and what it takes to become successful in webcomics!

More Information here.

Photoshop by Applegeeks!
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 3:30pm)

Have you ever wanted to draw, paint and color like the pros? Hawk and Ananth of Applegeeks fame can get you started on your way! The creators of the poplar webcomic applegeeks are guests at their first Canadian con, and will be teaching you the basics of using photoshop for all your computer graphic requirements!

 

Sushi & Onigiri How To
 - (Sunday, ST130 @ 1:30pm)

It’s healthy! It’s delicious! Don’t you wish you too knew how to make it? Well now you can! Pray to the gods for good weather, and come to the How-To-Roll-Sushi-And-Pack-Onigiri-And-Dude-We-Need-To-Come-Up-With-A-Better-Name-For-This-Outdoor-Picinic! 

 

G-Unleashed
 - (Saturday, ST132 @ 9:30pm)

... be… afraid. Be very… afraid. Our beloved Cosplay Director finally gets the chance to spout about various contemporary anime and otaku-subcultures! Please bring ID, because this panel is for an adult audience only!

 

Anime Academia

Otafest is proud to present Dr. Antonia Levi as a guest lecturer for Otafest 2008! Dr Levi is a pioneer in the scholarly studies surrounding anime and Japanese pop culture (yes – you too can use anime for school projects!) and we are very pleased to be able to present a series of panels developed by Dr Levi, discussing various aspects of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture:

 

Myths for the New Millennium:
 - (Saturday, ST139 @ 6:30pm. Repeat Sunday, ST139 @ 2:30pm)

Anime and manga have long functioned as postwar Japan's modern mythology, what Fred Schodt once referred to as "the incessant babble of the collective Japanese subconscious."  Yet now, those uniquely Japanese myths have gone global.  What does this mean?  Are the themes and images simply relevant to all (well, most) other cultures, or does the medium allow for such flexibility that different audiences respond differently.

            Yaoi, Zowie, I Think They're Gay:
 - (Saturday, ST139 @ 8pm)

In Japan, yaoi (or BL/boys' love as it is more commonly called these days) is a fairly accepted part of female culture, mildly transgressive at most.  In North America, however, it takes on new meanings.  This presentation will discuss the roots of yaoi in Japan and explore some of the ways in which it has developed new meanings and even a new audiences in North America. Yuri fans are also encouraged to attend and add their perspectives.

Sailor Buffy:
 - (Sunday, ST139 @ 1pm)

Many anime/manga themes (transforming women/girls, beautiful boys, gender-bending generally, flawed heroes and sympathetic villains) emerge in Joss Whedon's three series: Buffy, Angel, and Firefly.  Whether this is the result of influence, related themes, or simply the needs of good story-telling, the results are strikingly similar.  There are also some significant differences. What this tells us about Japan, North America, and our rapidly globalizing world is what we will discuss.

 

Jonathan Love & Voice Spot WCS - Voice Over Panel
- (Saturday, ST 125 @ 1pm)

Come now, admit it. You too, have once had dreams of voicing your favorite anime characters, haven’t you? If that’s the case, then this is the panel for you! Special Guest Jonathan Love is a trained professional, with voice credits in Dragon Ball, Flame of Recca, Mobile Figher G Gundam, as well as Star Wars ‘The Clone Wars’! As a facilitator with Voice Spot WCS, a company in Calgary that focuses on talent development specifically in the area of voice-over and microphone performance, this Q&A style panel is the one for you, if you’re interested in Voice Work!

More information here.

Gameshows

Anime - Name That Tune
 - (Saturday, ST125 @ 2:30pm)

At some point in time, we all have that ridiculously catchy anime opening stuck in our heads. I could even arguably say that more often than not, we have a ridiculously catchy anime opening stuck in our heads. Now’s the time to turn that anime music knowledge into prizes – at Anime Name That Tune!

 

Pocky Structures
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 11am)

Do you like playing with your food? I know we do! Let’s see how can play with their food in the most creative ways - who can come up with the coolest structures and models – using nothing but pocky and marshmellows!

 

Lego Robot Wars
 - (Sunday, ST125 @ 11am)

Lego!! Giant Robots! Lego!! Giant Robots!! Like peanut butter and jelly, we bring together two elements that have been screaming to be brought together since the beginning of time in one galactic showdown! Bring your blueprints and back-stories, and compete against other teams in the Lego Robot Building Competition!

 

Battle Action RPG
- (Sunday, ST140 @ 7pm)

The perennial Sunday night favourite returns! Otafest is pleased to present BATTLE ACTION RPG – A costume wearing, attack name shouting, live action role playing game in which the audience determines the hit points, surprise attacks can upset even the most obvious of winners, and no one leaves with their eardrums in tact!

 

AMV Gameshow
 - (Saturday, ST140 @ 1:30pm)

Join in the fun as contestants battle it out for prizes and glory as they must answer as many questions as they can in a limited time about AMVs that will be shown! Game play is based on a cool original concept with pieces from other well known game shows thrown it.  Even if your part of the audience, you'll get to watch some very fun and entertaining Anime Music Videos and even help of the contests at times! Contestants will be chosen from the audience based on questions asked about an AMV that will be played at the beginning. No AMV or creator experience required; just a keen eye and good memory!

 

99 Yen Challenge
 - (Saturday, ST128 @ 1:30pm)

Just like a giant anime robot, The 404s and Tiltyhouse.com have combined to bring you a new gameshow of pure comedy gold! Join host Mark Nguyen as he quizzes his contestants on a variety of zany topics from all corners of geek fandom: anime, sci-fi, gaming, and more! Who are the special contestants? What tough questions will be asked? And who gets to leave with the grand prize of 99 Japanese yen? Find out on The 99 Yen Challenge!"

 

Anime Jeopardy
 - (Saturday, ST132 @ 11:30am)

Answer: A classic gameshow favorite, being brought back for 2008. Question: What is Anime Jeopardy? With more categories and lots of interesting categories that will be sure to challenge even the smartest Otaku. Anime Jeopardy returns bigger and better than ever.

 

Anime Super Password
- (Sunday, ST130 @ 11am)

Fun. Friends. Secrets. Synonyms. Gameshow. What does it all mean? A brand new gameshow for Otafest 2008. If you think you and and a friend can convey the clues to each other using only one word, then come on down, have some fun, and we'll see if you can solve the Anime Super Password.

 

Anime Feud
 - (Saturday, ST132 @ 8:30pm)

Name a Gameshow that challenges you and your friends to think of things relating to anime. Survey Says: Anime Feud! The Feud is back and better than ever. With head to head challenges and team rivalries is sure to make this Feud one for the books. So, bring your friends, challenge your rivals, and have a lot of fun playing Anime Feud.

 

Anime Guess Who
 - (Sunday, ST130 @ 12pm)

Remember as a kid playing Guess Who with those little boards and all those fun characters? Ever wish you could play it with anime characters? Well here's your chance as we give you the opportunity to watch and play Anime Guess Who on bigger boards with fun anime characters that is sure to be memorable.

 

Anime E.D.G.E.
 - (Sunday, ST130 @ 3pm)

Over the years Otafest has held some wacky gameshows, including Anime Match Game and So You Think You Know Anime? This year, brings the coming of a new type of gameshow, where anything goes and you can be right even if your answer is totally wrong. Anime EDGE will be full of hilarity, hijinks and all sorts of unexpected twists and turns as we mash together over 15 different games and gameshows into one insanely funny and crazy gameshow. Leave your sanity at the door, strap in and be prepared for anything as we go over the Anime EDGE.

 

Anime Match Game
 - (Saturday, ST125 @ 5pm)

It’s baaaack! Join us for another round of the gameshow that has left a trail of split seams and howling laughter over the last two years. Come to Anime Match Game - where we’re not sure whether our panel of contestants are here to win the game, or just drive our host bonkers!

 

Other Cool Things!

Super Kawaii Karaoke Happy Hour(s) Banzai!
- (Friday, ST145 @ 7pm)

Let there be singing! And dancing! And Jack-assery the like that only otaku can accomplish! It’s our Friday Night Karaoke celebration – for those of us with music in our hearts (if not necessarily in our ears. ^_~)!

 

Mr & Miss Otafest
 - (Sunday, Registration Desk @ 10am - 4pm)

Now *you* can be the judge! Who do you think had the costume at Otafest? Remember to vote for your favourite guy and gal, and help us to crown our Mr and Miss Otafest 2007! Winners to be announced at the Awards Ceremony! 

More information here. 

Anime Auction - Regular & Charity Auction
- ( Sunday, ST125 - 12:30pm)

This is the place to come for a chance to pick up bargain deals on anime memorabilia, and to watch our beloved auctioneer lose his voice! Come for the deals! Stay for the insanity!

 More information here.

AMV Video Blocks - Updeat, Fun & Comedy AMVs
 - (Friday, ST140 @ 8:30pm)
AMV Video Blocks - AMV Showcase Block 1
 - (Saturday, ST140 @ 10:30am)
AMV Video Blocks - Comedy & Trailer AMVs
 - (Saturday, ST140 @ 8:30pm)
AMV Video Blocks - AMV Showcase Block 2
 - (Sunday ,ST140 @2:30pm. Please note, in case of rain, Anime Chess will replace AMV Showcase Block 2 in ST140 @ 2:30pm).

Do you remember that video? You know, the one you watched a couple years ago, that absolutely blew you away? The one that seemed to redefine AMVs as we knew them? The one you promptly could never find again? Well, check out the AMV video block, where we'll be showing the great AMVs of recent memories, submitted to great AMV contests as Sakura-con, Animethon and Anime Evolution!

 

Anime Alberta Gathering
 - (Sunday, ST125 @ 3pm)

Anime Alberta is an online community allowing fans from all over Alberta to discuss their favourite topics! Come to the Anime Alberta Gathering to see the faces behind the texts and avatars! 

 

Fan’s Tug of War
 -  (Saturday, Outdoors @ 11am)

It’s Sailor Moon fans vs Naruto! Bleach fans vs DBZ! Come show your support for your favorite Anime in a Fan’s Tug of War to end them all!

 

Collectible Card Game - UFS Tournament – Assets of Power
 - (Saturday, ST132 @ 1pm)

UFS (Universal Fighting System) pits popular adversaries together in one-on-one combat. Players can collect, customize, and compete for supremacy in the arena using their character's moves, abilities and weapons from popular video game properties.

The high level of strategy and fast-paced, hard-hitting action appeals to both casual and competitive players. UFS is a bold, in-your-face game.

Otafest is proud to host an Assets of Power event for UFS. Every player in attendance will get ONE copy of each Promotional Assets 12 Different ones in total. The winner will get a full playset of each Asset 48 in total. This will be a Block 2 constructed format. The current banned list is in effect. Come and have some fun!

 

 

Ouran Host Club
 - (Saturday, ST125 @ 11:30am)

Irashaimase! Ever wonder what it would be like to have the Hitachiin twins personally pamper you? Or to be doted on by the one and only King Tamaki? Or even dine with Hunny-senpai on the most delectable of cakes? Well now's your chance, the ever famous Ouran Host Club is here to serve you! With tea, music, treats, games, and of course, the 7 prettiest, yet wackiest hosts to entertain; you're bound to have one of the most unforgettable, memorable times of your life~! So be sure to stop by, for who knows what kind of surprises may be in store. Any and all are welcome!

 

 

Dedicated Rooms

Video Game Rooms
Daigasso Busking Hall
 - Sunday (ST140 @ 8:30pm)
Bring your DS's and come jam with us as a windup event on Sunday night!
U of C Gaming Club - Video Game Room
 - (SB144, Saturday 10am to 11pm, and Sunday 10am to 9pm)
Video Game Tournaments:
Dragon Quest Monster Joker Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 10:30am)
Super Smash Brothers Brawl Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 12pm)
Mario Kart Wii Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 2pm)
Jump ultimate Stars Download Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 4pm)
Guilty Gear Accent Core Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 6pm)
Rhythm Tengoku Tournament
 - (Saturday, SB146 @ 7:30pm)
Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4 Tournament
 - (Sunday, SB146 @ 11am)
Pokemon Pearl/Diamond Tournament
 - (Sunday, SB146 @ 12:30pm)
Capcom vs SNK 2 Tournament
 - (Sunday, SB146 @ 2pm)
Megaman StarForce Leo/Pegasus/Dragon Tournament
 - (Sunday, SB146 @ 4pm)
Action Showoff Showdown Tournament
- (Sunday, SB146 @ 5:30pm)

Arguably the most popular hang out from Otafests past, we’ve brought the Video Gaming Room back with a vengeance – and cloned it! That’s right! This year, there will be multiple gaming rooms! A great place to kick back between shows, events and mad dashes to the dealer’s room and challenge your friends to a duel to a death! Come check out the list of tournaments we'll be hosting all weekend long!

 

Creation Station

The Creation Station is a specially dedicated room for all fan-related creative efforts such as fanfiction, fanart & fangames! A popular room at Sakura-con, Anime Evolution and Kumoricon, this year, we are very pleased to have the Creation Station at Otafest! With various panels, workshops, contests and games going on all weekend long, don't forget to come check out the fun including fanfic improv games, fanart and fanfic contests, and the ever popular fanfic bedtime stories! Here’s a sample of everything that will be happening at the Creation Station:

 

Fanfic 101/102
-  (Saturday, ST139 @ 4pm)

Ever wanted to explore a story beyond what the authorpenned? Wanted to get inside a character's head? Maybe you thought that Character A should hook up with Character B. Then Fanfiction is for you! Fanfiction; or writing stories based on preexisting characters, settings, or concepts; is a fantastic way of showing the ways your favorite series inspire you. And in Fanfic 101/102, we'll cover how to get started, how to hammer out all your great ideas into something readable, and how to find other writers. And then we'll delve into common pitfalls (including the dreaded Sue!) and how to avoid them, how to network in your fandoms, and the fine art of the review!

 

Secondary Characters in Fanfiction
- (Sunday, ST139 @ 12pm)

Tales of the Unsung Heroes The main characters get all the glory. But what about their friends, their families, or even their enemies? And what in the world do you do if you want to write about someone that it seems that even the author forgot about? This panel deals with love of the supporting cast--how to delve into their characters, how to find other fans, and how to show your minor character love to the rest of the fanbase! Includes open discussion, so tell us about your faves!

 

Intro to Reading Japanese
- (Sunday, ST139 @ 7pm)

So, you've taken a couple of Japanese courses or have flipped your way through a Learn Japanese Now! book.  Now you want to start using your new-found knowledge to dig into some real Japanese written material -- but where do you start, and what do you need?  Introduction to Reading Japanese covers finding the right dictionaries, how Japanese bookstores are organized, pointers to stores from which you can order Japanese material online, and various tips and tricks picked up from experience.

Fanfiction Bedtime Stories
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 9pm)

Our trademark! Creation Station's internationally famous open-mic for fanfics provides a gleeful, enthusiastic arena in which fanfics and original works of fiction are read aloud--or even cosplayed! And if you're shy, don't worry; we can get your fic read aloud for you! Our relaxed atmosphere is welcoming for everyone.

 

Scenes from a Hat
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 3pm)

What would you propose as the opening line, theme, or quote around which to base a spontaneous fanfic, drawing, or skit? They get zany, they get daring, they become the basis for Scenes from a Hat: Humorously competitive fanfic improv, judged by participants themselves after they've all shared their work with the group.

 

Story, Story, Die!
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 11am)

Improvisational theatre meets fanfic in this collaborative, humorously competitive game in which folks patch together a bizarre plot and dialogue. Act, cheer, propose topics and fandoms, judge, enjoy....and when players are stumped, propose the elaborate "deaths" they must act out. A staple of the Creation Station crowd since Kumoricon 2003!

 

Manga Creation Workshop
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 2pm)

Curious novice experimenting for our mini-manga contest? Learn how to help your manga stand on its own by looking in depth at what defines outstanding manga, and applying the written and visual elements to your art and storytelling. Panelist works as a part-time freelancer, and is due to be published in a collaborative comic effort!

 

Manga and Webcomic Artist Meetup
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 1pm)

A chance for folks to share their experiences & skills in, collaborate with, or merge these artforms. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, a storyboardist, colorist, author, or daydreaming doodler, you're more than welcome here!

 

Art-into-fic Contest:
- (Sunday, ST139 @ 11am)

Authors, come look at all the posted art, & see what any piece inspires you to write in the way of fanfic or original fiction. Post each story or poem adjacent to its inspiring piece of art. Both author and artist of the winning pair earn prizes!

 

Fic-into-Art Contest
- (Sunday, ST139 @ 11am)

Partake of Fanfiction Bedtime Stories, an open mic for folks to read or cosplay their own or others' fanfiction or original fictions. Art inspired by these performances will be judged on the spot as part of Bedtime Stories, for prizes. Art may be serious or in gentle parody.

Shounen-Ai/Shoujo-Ai Art Contest
- (Sunday ,ST139 @ 4pm)

Draw or paint the bishie pairings of your dreams! Canonic, crossover, & original character pairings welcome.

Writing Fantasy: Breaking the Rules
- (Saturday, ST139 @ 12pm)

Decription: Tips on Fantasy Writing!

Contest Winners Announcement
- (Sunday, ST139 @ 5pm)

Decription: If you've entered any Creation Station art of fic contests, please stop by to check if you've won anything!

 

Maid Cafe
-  (Saturday, @ Maid cafe (see map; close to Science B. open both Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm).

One of the most curious phenomenon to take off in otaku culture today, the maid café has become a staple of any outing to Akihabara. If you find yourself parched or weary, come stop by the maid café and purchase a drink, served to you by a charming maid cosplayer!  

And, as a special service, as part of Otafest’s 10^th birthday, all attendees will be served a piece of cake – just show your wrist band at the café, and we’ll be right with you! Irrashaimase!

(Please note: due to limited seating, please be courteous to other attendees, and limit your time.)