Cosplay Photos!

If our spectacular cosplay event on the 15th wasn't enough for you (or if you missed it) and you're simply dying to dress up, June 7th is International Lolita Day!

In honor of this event, Kinokuniya Bookstore in New York City is teaming up with Del Rey Manga, Samurai Beat Radio, and VIZ Pictures to hold the very first Lolita and Maid Day. So dust off your parasols and bonnets!

“We’re proud to help create Lolita and Maid Fashion Day at Kinokuniya,” New York Anime Festival Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. “Lolita and Maid fashion have quickly become two of the most prolific ambassadors of anime, manga, and Japanese culture in America, and the New York Anime Festival couldn’t be happier bringing these fashions to New York City – the fashion capital of the world.”

Kinokuniya’s Lolita and Maid Fashion Day will include special all-day activities as well as a series of Lolita and Maid-themed speakers and presentations. But what I'm most excited about is the cake!

Café Zaiya on Kinokuniya’s second floor is going to be serving up a special menu of Lolita and Maid-themed desserts made especially for Lolita and Maid Day.

There's more information here.

Time to Break Out your Gundam Suit, Bunny Ears, and Oversized Sword!

Since last year's Cosplay Party was...

...rather popular, we're doing it again!

At 2:00pm on Saturday May 15th, the huge Cosplay Party begins! Included will be a screening of Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone (2010, 100 min., Japanese with English subtitles, PG-13) in our big screen theater, delicious onigiri (riceballs) and tea, a photo booth, free admission to Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters, and of course...

 ...costumes!

We're holding a costume competition all day Saturday with special appearances from Uncle Yo, Mario Bueno, World Cosplay Summit 2009 Team USA, and manga Artist Hiroki Otsuka. Prizes are coming to you from Kinokuniya Bookstore and the musical entertainment is none other than cosplay DJ Ruby Red.

We can't wait to see what you guys come up with this year!

Japan Society's First Annual Manga Competition

In celebration of Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s fundamental contributions to the world of contemporary manga, Japan Society is hosting MANGA MADNESS!

So, if you love manga and like to draw, submit your own previously unpublished manga and have it judged by world renowned manga master, Hiroki Otsuka, our Mangaka-in-Residence!

Prizes will be awarded for Best Overall entry and for 1st place in two separate categories: A Comic Strip Inspired by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Doujinshi.

Best Overall prize winner will receive a $75 gift certificate for the Kinokuniya bookstore and 1st place winners will receive $50 gift certificates for Kinokuniya. Winners will also receive an exhibition catalog from Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters: Japanese Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the Arthur R. Miller Collection, a special mystery bonus prize and have their artwork displayed at Japan Society!

Click here to find the Rules and the Entry Form!