J's Chimes: Welcome Aboard The AFA Bus...

Seems like preps for the coming Anime Festival Asia 2011 is well under way and ads have started appearing in all shapes and sizes... Yep, even to our transportation vehicles. Seems like they Ita buses to advert this event. Hopefully this is gonna be good too because this is also the very first AFA event in which I've bought tickets to watch the concert. A pretty hefty price I must say but it well worth it with all the famous idols coming to Singapore for the concert.


AFA will be held in Singapore on the 11 November 2011, an auspicious day indeed for many people around the world to get married too... Well that's what they believe... In any case, 111111 also marks the launch of a much awaited game by Illusion soft too which may excite lots of fans around the world too... Not gonna spoil it so soon so wait for more updates later on...

J's Chimes: AFA Is Back!

The Anime Festival Asia is back once again and am so looking forward to it. Reason being that I've also bought the tickets for the concert. Though it cost a bomb, I guess it's worth it once in a while since this event only happens once a year. AFA 2011 will commence from 11 Nov to 13 Nov 2011 and am hoping it be the best out of the other 3 years previously. And of course, that includes purchasing of more models and anime in that coming event...


Am also looking forward to Hatsune Miku's concert which will happen on the 11 Nov 2011. Heard it be the same as the 3D projection performance that took place back in Sapporo Japan recently too. Still, there's about a month away from all the excitement so trying to contain myself for the time being and update more of AFA when it's closer. For more information about AFA, you can view their website at http://www.animefestival.asia/

J's Chimes: SOYC Cosplay 2011

Finally managed to skim through the photographs and uploaded it for viewing... Anyway the Start Of Year C ended yesterday and I must say it's a lot better than last year given the fact that it's much bigger and such. Having said that, here are the photographs taken at the event. However do be warned that some of the photographs are of extremely low quality as photobucket resizes the photos even more somehow... Anyway you can view the photos by clicking here or from the tab bar on the right.

J's Chimes: S.O.Y.C. Cosplay Event

The 'Start Of Year' cosplay event continues again this coming Saturday at the Ngee Ann Poly Convention Center. Due to certain reason this event has been pushed back to April this year but it seems like this event has become larger than ever with more bigger sponsors to boot. Am pondering still whether to go or not... Regardless, the entry price would be $3 for pre-orders and $5 for door entries. Find out more in their website here.

J's Chimes: Cancelations Galore...

With the disaster that struck Japan, it seems like many things will inevitably be canceled from this month on. From products to television programmes that we all loved very much, it is only now that we appreciate them and take it for granted. Some examples are as shown below:

Animes

Yup, it's nerve wrecking to say this but this season's animes are mostly put on hold now due to the disaster. Even the infamous QB is put on hold in tormenting the magical girls...

Food Products

Mad rush for Japanese products can be seen in Japan to stockpile on food supply. Not to mention other neighboring countries like Hong Kong and China are all in a frenzy to purchase all available Japanese products now in bulks. The situation looks pretty dire... Many countries are dependent on Japan for their products so with the shortage of these, high chances that food prices would increase dramatically...

Miscellaneous Products

From Eroge to Mangas, appliances and electronics, seems like they will all be canceled or postponed to a later launch date and such. With such, imports and exports are grim and low... So we might probably have to wait a while for these to return...

Events and Conventions

Even Ishihara's approval for a Tokyo Anime Fair 2011 is inevitably canceled due to this situation. It is without fail that the Anime Contents Expo will see the same fate as TAF2011... Not to mention the other upcoming festivals like cosplays, animes and manga conventions...

Other

It is however unclear that if the Japan Manga Ban would still take effect in a few months time after this unfortunate incident. Hopefully the disaster would be taken highest priority instead of something like this that can help contribute to the economic. Other cancellations would also include flights to Japan. For now, let's hope for the best that Japan could stand up once again once this situation is over...

J's Chimes: Singapore Comifest

The other event that is also held on the 5 - 6 March this coming weekend will be the Singapore Comifest at the Suntec City Convention Center. Features plenty of cosplays and probably a couple of booths here and there selling some anime stuffs. The question lies is that which will be more worthwhile to go during the weekends. Certainly the JPLEX seems kinda promising but unless you've got a ticket to watch the concert, then it would be good. Perhaps the Comifest is worth to explore for a while since it's free and is located in a business district... In any case, click here to find out more about this event.

J's Chimes: JPlex - Japan Entertainment Platform

JPLEX is the first ever installment of the entertainment platform will bring to Singapore for the first time. Featuring 3 Anime Blockbusters including titles like Naruto Shippudden: The Lost Tower, Sokyuu No Fafner: Heaven and Earth and Gundam Unicorn. Coupled with these exciting movies are two concert performances from top Japanese music groups; Angela and FLOW, whose music have been featured extensively in the soundtracks of the featured movie franchises of Naruto and Sokyuu No Fafner. JPLEX will be held this weekend from the 5 - 6 March at the Republic Polytechnic Singapore. For more information, please visit their website here.

J's Chimes: Single On V. Day...

Once again the much dreaded Valentine's Day has come once again to haunt all singles out there and making people like us emo for the next 14hrs (Time may differ from different countries...) So what the heck could you do to make this a pleasant day without worrying over something like this? Perhaps this 10 tips may help you...

1. Stay Home, Stay Home And Stay Home

Perhaps the most effective way of not getting all emo is to stay at home... Valentine's Day is definitely not a day for singles to be walking around crowded streets filled with loving, hugging couples. There is no temptation at home, only your own stuff to keep you from having crazy thoughts.

2. Play A Game, Surf The Internet, Watch Some Videos

Things like playing a game or just surfing the internet for your favourite stuff might keep you from thinking about Valentine's Day. Time flies when you do just that and you'd realize that there are some things better than V. Day... Spoil yourself and play for longer hours to keep yourself occupied...

3. Avoid The News Or Any Other Forms Of Media On This Day...

I for so am 100% sure that something in regards to Valentine's Day would be aired on tv or any other forms of media, whether it is the news or some advertisements. So do stay away from such for just a day and your thoughts will not go wild then.... Rent a video, or just watch YouTube for some other forms of entertainment.

4. Get Busy With Your Hobby

Whether it's watching an anime, fixing up your Gundam model or taking photographs of your anime models, do something you like and continue to indulge in your hobby so that your spirits are lightened. It's never a dull moment playing with your passion...

5. Pamper Yourself, Order Pizza And Do Some Self Maintenance

Pamper yourself for today. Order some expensive food to eat, go to a spa, enjoy yourself as much as you can so that you know you are worth it. Make yourself happy instead of sulking on this ordinary day.

6. Buying Something Expensive For Yourself

Been saving your money for a rainy season? This is the one so it's ok to spurge now and buy something expensive for yourself so that you'd be happy. Get that item you'd always dream of... Pre-order your favourite toys or accessories. So now you'd have something to think of instead of some day like today...

7. If You Have A Pet, Play With It...

Your pets will bring you bundles of joy on this very day because when you show affection to it, it loves you more in return. Perhaps one of the best substitute for the crave of love for the time being. What other living things could give you joy now that you are alone on this very day being single?

8. Clean Up Your Room, Learn A New Skill, Do Something New

A good day to do something new for a change. Learn to cook, clean the house or even do some DIY for your own home. Learning to do something new is fun and obtaining a new skill could help you in your future endeavors through life... You may never know when you gonna need them and could come in handy...

9.Count Sheeps, Take A Nap Or A Good Sleep...

The best way to get through this dreaded day? Sleep! Yup... Time flies real fast when ya sleep. Forget about this ordinary day. Dream something nice. Rest your body well to prepare yourself for the next day....

10. Tell Yourself It Only Lasts For 24 Hours And Nothing More...

What the heck... Let's get this over and done with... Valentine's Day only last for a day and nothing more. It's just an ordinary day, a day that only happens once a year. Ya still got another 364 more days to be happy so why not just ignore this day for once? Perhaps this might straighten you up and look forward to the coming days ahead instead of just this...

J's Chimes: STGCC Loot

The Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention is over... Time does flies and you waited and waited and waited for it, and now its gone! However so, the STGCC this year is much to my disappointment because there really wasn't much in the event that got my attention. Not to mention the hefty price tag for the entrance. The loot is somewhat of better quantity I must say which somehow makes up for it.


Was one of the first 500 visitors to grab this Ghostbusters figurines... Though it wasn't of my tastes to collect monsters, but it's free so what the heck... Got plenty of comics too and especially so when you enter the convention again and again just to get these freebies... Comes with some capsule toys in it and one of the toys I adore most is this green Mario keychain which makes a sound when pressed.


A couple of postcards here and there from various shops that showcases their artwork and comics. The Breadou toy is one in which I got it from voting for the Cosplay competition performances on stage. It gives a bread scent and you could use it as a stress ball or something...


Got a couple of gaming magazines free... Well, it's free because its last month's issue... At least its better than nothing and it's still new nonetheless. Also got a Notebook and Iphone casing from Animax and a traditional fan with some bushiroad card game prints on it. Well, thats about wraps up all the freebies given in STGCC. Let's hope that these events get bigger and better next year to come...

J's Chimes: STGCC Photographs

And so the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention had come to a close yesterday. Finally here are the photographs that I've taken in the convention and they can be viewed by clicking on the links given below... Or you can also simply find the link located on the right taskbar labeled photographs and video clips.

Photograph links:
General Event
Cosplays

Unfortunately the End Of Year Cosplay Event 2010 clashes with the STGCC. Hopefully some passionate photographers will be able to post for us some photos online so that we could take a little peak at what's going on there...

J's Chimes: EOY 2010

Amidst the Singapore Toys, Games and Manga Convention, the End of Year cosplay (EOY 2010) is held today from 10am to 6.30pm at the Republic Polytechnic Singapore. Tickets for door entry is $16 while VIPs are $29. It is truly saddening that it has clash with another major event. I truly believe many cosplayers will migrate to this event instead of STGCC so if you are truly interested, you might wanna visit the EOY 2010 now! For more details please visit the site here.

J's Chimes: STGCC Day 2

And so today would be Day 2 of the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention. This time the convention starts at 11am and I would believe that there would definitely be a bigger crowd today because of the weekends. Having said that, the STGCC 2010 has been quite overly hyped up with its publicity and advertisements. However in my opinion, there weren't really much to see than last year. Hopefully I'm wrong as the major events will be held this weekend that will boost back my morale again soon... More info on STGCC coming soon.

J's Chimes: Preview Of STGCC

A little sneak peek at the layout of the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention. The convention will be opened today at 12nn so by the time you see this post, I should be there lining up for the entry... In any case, the location seems bigger than before but only time will tell once we reached there... (Click on pics to enlarge)


And here are the stage performances for the convention... Does seem nothing of interest though until I've seen it. This is for day 1 and there certainly are a lot of programmes going on on Friday. Guess it's bad luck for those who are working that day...


There are also a couple of freebies up for grabs in the STGCC so you might wanna take a look at the main website for more of these details by clicking here. Hopefully its enough to satisfy your entrance fees though...


For those still interested to go, I suggest you'd leave your house now and go line up for the tickets at Suntec City Convention Center. Might be a big crowd lining up for it. It would cost a bit more than expected thus be prepared with some extra bucks for your shopping too...

J's Chimes: Countdown To STGCC 2010

It's finally coming!! The Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention will be opened tomorrow at 12nn which is approximately 26hrs left... Still yet to buy your tickets? Then this is seriously your last chance,else it would tough getting one and then lining up again just to enter the convention. Hopefully this year would be a better one and more stuff to see too... And to all my friends out there, see you at the convention!

J's Chimes: Anime Facebook

Fiddling around in your facebook these days and realized that some of your friend's pictures are replaced by animation characters instead? That's because a new social media campaign known as Childhood Cartoon Faces hopes to raise awareness of violence against children by encouraging Facebook users to ditch traditional pictures in favor of the cartoon images. This campaign would end on the 6 Dec 2010 which is today. Hopefully you too get to replace your pictures for an anime version type in support of this campaign. And then again who says anime are childish? Now this may be a big step towards spreading the wonders of anime. At least you know who likes anime in your friend's lists in Facebook now...

J's Chimes: Have You Bought Your Tickets Yet?

The Singapore Toys, Games And Comics Convention is drawing near and will start on the 10 - 12 Dec 2010. You can get those tickets online at Gatecrash or call their hotline number to order one. Also, you can actually purchase them at AXS or SAM machines located around Singapore. Had mine purchased yesterday and it cost a whooping $25 for 3 days entry. Well, this event only happens yearly so I guess we do not really have a choice... Buy now to avoid disappointment and lining up over at the convention area just to get the tickets for entry...

J's Chimes: The Singapore Toy Games & Comic Convention

With the end of the Anime Festival Asia this month, another big event will be held once again at Suntec City Singapore on the 10 - 12 December 2010. Known as the Singapore Toys, Games & Comic Convention, this event once again showcase the various toys and stuff from all over the world. Then again there will also be cosplays and special guests which includes AKB48 who will be coming for the event. Somehow or rather, the entry fee is $10 per day and $21 for all 3 days into the event. Interested viewers can preorder their tickets online at the nearest AXS or SAM in your neighbourhood or simply visit their website here for more details...

J's Chimes: Best Little Things In AFA...

Sometimes, even the most minute thing in the event catches your attention. Especially when you began to reminisce about it when you scroll through your photos taken at AFA. There are a couple of them and some of it would probably be the amazing figurines that had bought during this convention. Nonetheless, Black Rocker Shooter catches my eye and went about buying even the figma on the second day of the event as it looks pretty cool in the display cabinet...


The other would probably be the Nendoroid for Balck Rock Shooter as it looks so really cute... Not to mention her poker face attachment which is interchangeable for her serious look. Both Black Rock Shooter Models are highly rank in the top 10 bestsellers when it was up on sale.


This T-Shirt which was hanging at the edge of the COSPA booth caught my attention becuase of its attention seeking designs of Ikaros from the anime Sora No Otoshimono. Because of her amazing blossom and chain tied on her neck, it seems pretty erotic in some sense or another. Which makes me wonder who would be brave enough to wear this outside without having weird stares on your T-Shirt. For better or worse, nobody would know...


Black Cat was actually an Amercian-based comic book character but it was later drawn into anime due to the influence of the Japanese culture and artwork. But somehow or rather I'd prefer the Japan version due to the fact that it looks much more beautiful compared to American art because they tend to draw girls as some other style in which my eyes couldn't very much accept... (Perhaps due to too much Japanese animes instead of American Animations)


Cosplayers are pretty up-to-date too and already you could even see people cosplaying as Panty and Stocking in the AFA Convention. Perhaps one of the most eye-catching characters around this season due to the fact that the art style animation, the comedic and explicit random ecchi-ness. Not to mention using undergarments as weapons of purification... The weapons catches my attention as it lights up and somehow or rather looks nice and heavenly...


I was actually taking the photograph of this booth instead but to my surprise, the cosplayers manning this booth began posing when they saw me holding up my camera... I was dumbfounded but then I thought to myself, ok so she wants a photograph so I decided to take lots and lots so that I wouldn't disappoint them as they are quite eager to... All is well because I got to have a couple more moe sailor uniform girls in my photo collection.


Perhaps one of the most long awaited figma models of all time, the Danny Choo Mascot Mirai Figma. Heard that it is up for pre-order very soon and would probably be ordering mine asap when it's up. Looks really nice...


Last but not least, it's got to be Danny Choo. It's a surprise to see him back in Singapore for this AFA event. Amazingly, I got a photo with him once again but it was more of a coincidence because we suddenly saw him just beside us when we were taking photographs of this Itasha. He's indeed a very friendly person and charismatic and bows politely to me when I shook his hand after taking a photo with him... really cool.

J's Chimes: AFA X Mini Tour

Here's a little video I've scrapped up for the Anime Festival Asia X. For those who did not went, maybe this would give you anidea of what AFA is about. And for those who had already been there, you might wanna take a look to reminisce your enjoyable moments there...

J's Chimes: Danny Choo At AFA & CGM

Yesterday was a CGM hosted by DannyChoo at Lau Pa Sat in Singapore at 5pm. Due to certain circumstances, am unable to go and am pretty disappointed about it... There should probably be a few hundred comrades gathering there and would probably overtake the entire food center for this occasion. Hopefully I could get the updates on this asap online about the event though...


But in any case, am still happy due to the fact that I've manage to take a photo with Danny Choo once again in the AFA convention. (You can see my previous photos with him by clicking here)


It was really a big coincidence that I met him at the right place at the right time... Yup, and I mean at the right place where a copy of his Itasha is featured at AFA using another car for its designs...


Danny Choo also had his stage appearance in AFA to give us a little presentation on Japan Culture. It is rather educational and informative with the screening of his television programme known as the Danny Choo Network - Culture Japan.


One of the memorable moments of his presentation screenings. If maid cafes are like that in Singapore, perhaps people will start visiting one soon. In any case, his programme will soon be aired on Animax this December so if you do own Starhub or Mio TV, you might want to subscribe it asap so as not to miss an episode of it.