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Otafest Convention Policies
Definitions
1.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
In these policies,
“Artist Alley” refers to the designated location for the sale of personal artwork.
Artist Alley is also the location for sketch requests;
“Cosplay” refers the special event known as Cosplay;
“OPC” refers the Otafest Planning Committee, the governing entity of Otafest;
“O.P.E” refers to the Otafest Policy Enforcement department.
“Otafest” refers the Otafest convention;
“Vendor Room” refers the designated location for the sale of merchandise. Some
events call this room the Merchant Hall, the Vendors’ Hall, or the Dealers’ room;
“Viewing room” refers the designated viewing areas for video programming;
“Weapon” is as defined in Section 37 of these policies;
“Wristband” refers to the proof of admission used by Otafest.
General Policies
2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The following activities are not permitted during Otafest:
Engaging in any activity prohibited by law;
Any act which could result in substantial risk or harm to people or property;
Engaging in disruptive and unsafe behavior that disturbs other patrons, staff, or
the public;
Sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, or sexual
harassment;
Physical or verbal harassment of the public or staff;(f)
Loitering.
3.
All patrons must abide by all University of Calgary procedures, policies, and
bylaws, as well as all local, provincial, and federal laws and bylaws.
4.
Seating for events or in viewing rooms is first-come, first-served. Due to fire
regulations, sitting in aisles and seating beyond the room’s capacity are not
allowed, and Otafest is bound by law to strictly enforce this.
5.
Alcohol or intoxication is not permitted at Otafest. Any incidences will be dealt
with accordingly.
6.
Food and drinks are normally permitted during events and inside viewing rooms,
but please clean up after yourself. Please use available garbage bins to dispose of
waste. Patrons will be informed if food or drinks are prohibited.
7.
Talking out of turn during events or in viewing rooms is disruptive to other
patrons. Please save your comments for outside the event or viewing room.
8.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
With respect to some Otafest events, such as Cosplay, Otafest Convention Policies
may be temporarily overridden for participants of that event. The only persons
that may authorize this override are:
Chairman;
O.P.E Head;
Assistant O.P.E;
Cosplay Director or delegate.
Wristbands and Admission
9.
Wristbands must be worn and be visible at all times. Individuals without
wristbands will not be granted access to the convention.
10.
Any patron who has their wristband revoked will not receive reimbursement or
refund of any part of their admission.
11.
A fee will be charged for replacing a lost wristband. Replacement badges must be
authorized by Registration.
12.
Please return any wristbands found to Otafest staff immediately.
Attire and Costumes
13.
All patrons are required to dress in accordance with public decency laws while at
Otafest.
14.
All patrons are required to wear footwear. Socks or bare feet are not acceptable.
15.
OPC reserves the right to deem any attire or costume unacceptable and request the
wearer to either change or make modifications as necessary.
16.
Patrons should be aware that they may be asked to remove all or part of any
costume that is bulky, difficult to maneuver, or otherwise presents a possible
safety issues for the wearer or other patrons.
Harassment and Assault
17.
OPC has zero tolerance for any type of harassment and/or assault. Harassment is
any behavior that annoys, alarms, or threatens another person. This includes, but
is not limited to, any unwanted physical contact, following someone without a
legitimate reason, or threatening to harm someone.
18.
Sexual misconduct is unacceptable at Otafest, and will result in the revocation of
the patron’s wristband.
Liability
19.
Although we strive for the safest possible environment, Otafest, OPC, and its
affiliates are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury while attending
Otafest.
20.
Patrons are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussion that may
result.
21.
Civil or medical emergencies are to be handled directly by the proper authorities.
Merchandise and Theft
22.
All merchandise from Otafest itself, the Vendor Room, or Artist Alley, must be paid
for.
23.
Any patron caught shoplifting will be handed over to the proper authorities,
have their wristband revoked, and refused service into all future Otafest events.
There will be no exceptions.
Photography and Video Recording
24.
Photography of original artwork in Artist Alley is not allowed without express
permission of the artist.
25.
Photography may be restricted in specific events. Patrons will be informed if
photography or video recording is prohibited.
26.
Photography of all other aspects of the convention is allowed, so long as it does
not disrupt events or the flow of traffic, and the subject does not object to the
photo.
27.
Please be considerate and ask first before taking pictures of guests, other patrons, or the general public.
28.
Please be advised that you may be video recorded by OPC during some events.
Signage
29.
Wearing any signs that offer products or services, for solicitation, financial gain,
physical act, or otherwise, is prohibited at Otafest.
30.
Signs with inappropriate content will be removed without warning, and may result
in the patrons’ expulsion from the convention.
Weapons & Props
31.
Otafest has the following definitions:
(a)
A “weapon” is defined to be any item that: is designed to cause injury or death, or
anything a person actually uses or intends to use to cause injury or death. Also
includes any item which is designed, used, or intended for use to threaten or
intimidate.
This includes but is not limited to: anything prohibited by the criminal code, any
firearms and ammunition of any and all sorts, rifles, shotguns, hand guns, BB guns,
pellet guns, cap guns, air-soft weapons, paintball guns, blow guns, tazers,
explosives, knives, swords (including katana and other martial arts style swords),
bokken, shinai, daggers, sword canes, switchblades, bali-song (butterfly) knives,
axes, hatchets, pole arms, staffs, clubs, paddles, bows, arrows, martial arts
weapons, brass knuckles, chains, whips, pepper spray, mace, and any projectile
item, toy or real, whether or not such weapon is loaded, broken, or then-currently
in firing or useable condition.
(b)
A “prop” is defined as any item used by an attendee to enhance their costume.
(c)
A “prop resembling a realistic weapon” is defined as any prop that can be mistaken
for a weapon by a casual observer at any distance.
(d)
A “prop resembling a non-realistic weapon” is defined as a prop meant to
resemble a weapon, but that would not be mistaken for a dangerous item by a
casual observer at any distance. This would include props that resemble fantasy
weapons,futuristic weapons or stylized weapons.
(e)
A “general prop” is defined as any other prop that is not meant to resemble a
weapon.
32.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The following items are not allowed at Otafest at any time:
Weapons,
Props resembling realistic weapons,
In particular, but not limited to, props that resemble firearms are not allowed,
including toy guns, water guns, “nerf” guns, or prop guns made out of craft
materials.
Props made predominately out of metal.
33.
Prohibited items must be removed from campus grounds immediately or they will
be confiscated until the end of the festival. Otafest reserves the right to refuse
admission to the individual until the item is removed entirely from campus
grounds.
34.
Props resembling non-realistic weapons are only allowed in a designated area for
photography, or for use during the Cosplay Contest. Props resembling non-realistic
weapons MUST be transported to University of Calgary properly in a proper
container (ie, kept in a box or wrapped in a cloth or bag), until they are inspected
by Otafest personnel. Once these items have been inspected, and deemed to be
appropriate, they will be stored at the designated photography area, for display
and photography uses within this area only. If the prop is to be used for the
Cosplay Contest, they will be transported from the designated photography area
to the Cosplay Contest area by Otafest personnel.
35.
(a)
(b)
(c)
All props that are brought to Otafest MUST BE INSPECTED by Otafest personnel
immediately upon arrival and registration at the festival.
General props will be marked in a highly visible way such that staff and patrons can
tell from a distance that the prop is allowed for general use at the festival.
Props that resemble a non-realistic weapon will be stored at the designated
photography area, for display and photography uses in this area only.
Props that resemble a realistic weapon or is otherwise inappropriate MUST be
removed from campus grounds or be confiscated until the end of the festival.
36.
For the sake of clarity, weapons and props resembling realistic weapons should
NOT be brought to Otafest. Props resembling non-realistic weapons should be
brought to the University of Calgary in a proper container until you have arrived at
Otafest and have registered as an attendee. It is your responsibility to ensure that
casual observers will NOT mistake your prop for something dangerous.
37.
(a)
For the sake of clarity, the following props ARE considered to be general props and
ARE allowed so long as the rest of the regulations are followed:
Props of items that are not meant to be weapons to the casual observer (i.e,
walking sticks, wands, shields, stuffed animals, giant keys, anchors, staffs, baseball
bats, other household items, etc.)
Violation of Otafest Policies
38.
Otafest reserves the right to enforce punishment against any patron who violates
these policies. Such punishment can include, but are not limited to:
(a)
Asking a patron to leave a particular event or viewing room;
(b)
Revoking a patron’s wristband without refund;
(c)
Banning a patron from future Otafest events and Conventions.
39.
Any action prohibited by law will result in notification of the proper authorities.
OTAFEST 2012 TEAM
SPECIAL THANKS
OTAFEST 2012 TEAM
SPECIAL THANKS
4
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
HOURS OF OPERATION
Dear Otafest Participants,
Registration Desk
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
5 PM - 10 PM
10 AM - 10 PM
10 AM - 10 PM
Convention
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
5 PM - 12 AM
10 AM - 12 AM
10 AM - 10 PM
Closed
10 AM - 7 PM
10 AM - 5 PM
10 AM - 7 PM
It is finally that time of year again!
Having been the Chairman of Otafest for the past several
years, it is once again my privilege to welcome everyone to
another year’s Otafest.
Anticipating, planning, organizing and at long last,
participating in this great event is something that I look
forward to throughout the entire year. Vehement planning
goes into organizing each event, planning and scheduling
each showing and organizing each year’s guests. Every
year, as Otafest approaches, the excitement and fervour of
the event takes over the planning committee and it is our
hope that you too share in the excitement that leads up to
the event.
Carrying forward the proud Otafest tradition, I would once
again like to welcome everyone to our wonderful
convention. All throughout the weekend a multitude of
varied events and showing have been organized. Naturally,
this year like those past we’ve adopted another charity
and have been planning several unique events to surround
it that we are sure you will all enjoy – the male staff and
executives have been looking for payback after the last few
years.
Don’t forget while you are with us to stop by and meet our
guests, hunt for a bargain or two in the always full vendor
room, enjoy the AV staff’s peculiar tastes in anime, take
part in an event or two dozen and, as always, enjoy Otafest
as much as we do.
Yours truly,
Vendors Room / Artist’s Alley
Friday:
Saturday:
Vendors Sunday:
Artist Alley Sunday:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Programming
Special Guests
Special Events
Panels
6
8
10
Vendors Guide
14
Community Guide
Literature Contest
Mascot Contest
Scholarship Contest 16
20
28
Anime Screenings Guide
30
Charity Information
38
Write Your Own Chapter
40
Credits
42
Justin Lo
Otafest 2012 Chairman
5
SPECIAL GUESTS
Andrea Libman has worked as a voice over actor for more than
twenty years. She has had roles on numerous animated TV series
including: Madeline in Madeline and The New Adventures of
Madeline, Emmy in Dragon Tales, young AndrAIa in Reboot, and
Cathy in Monster Buster Club. Her Japanese anime roles include
Chi-Chi in Dragon Ball, and Mileina Vashti in Mobile Suit Gundam
00.
Synaptic Chaos Theatre is an improvisation/comedy troupe,
with a flair for all things geeky. They specialize in live improv and
semi-scripted comedy shows such as “The 99 Yen Challenge” and
“Late Night Dub Fight”. Formed in 2010 and boasting decades of
improv experience amongst its members, SCT regularly performs
for large crowds at anime, gaming, and sci-fi conventions across
North America.
Recently, Andrea has voiced the characters of Lemon Meringue,
Pupcake, and Princess Berrykin in Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry
Bitty Adventures; and Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy in My Little Pony:
Friendship is Magic.
SCT is always trying new things for the con experience and loves
springing their experiments on an unsuspecting audience. Conwide games, murder mysteries, jam sessions, acting workshops
- they’ll pop up where you least expect them!
In her spare time Andrea teaches and plays the piano. She also
enjoys running, skiing, snowboarding, yoga, and doing volunteer
work. As well, Andrea holds her Bachelor of Applied Science in
Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia.
http://www.synaptic-chaos.com
Please join us in welcoming Andrea to Otafest!
Note: Separate autograph and photo-op fees apply.
Professional actor since birth and voice actor for the past 10 years,
Brendan Hunter has loved doing lead roles in Dragon ball GT,
Dragon Ball, Gregory Horror Show, DICE, Hoop Days, Jubei-Chan
2, Di Gi Charat Nyo!, Hunter X Hunter, Pretty Cure, many Gundam
VG’s, “Megaman: Powered Up” VG, and many others.
Recently turned feature film producer, you can watch for LLOYD
THE CONQUEROR, a LARPing comedy with Brian Posehn, Mike
(Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys) Smith and Harland Williams, with
rising star Evan Williams of Baxter and Degrassi Next Generation
to hit theatres this fall and a special preview at Otafest.
LIX was formed in 2010 with former SUICIDE ALI guitarist Yuu at
its center. They were among the first artists active in Starwave
Records, releasing 3 singles through the label.
Brendan lives with his wife and children in Calgary, Alberta, which
incidentally is about to become the hottest place in Canada
for indy feature films, TV and hopefully animation. Brendan
is developing projects in all those mediums with local writer/
directors at world standard production levels. Stay tuned!
The band then experienced a change in members and introduced
the new vocalist Chihiro, formally changing the band name to LIX.
Their first mini-album after the change, [SICKS RAIN], was released
in concurrence with a tour of the US and Europe before it sold
out completely. Their hard sound enhanced by melodious lyrics
that paint a vivid image for the listener have earned acclaim in
Japan as well as overseas. A tour of Canada has been confirmed
immediately following the release of their long-awaited new CD.
The members of LIX are Yuu (Guitar), and Chihiro (Vocals).
Make sure you check out their concert on Saturday, May 19th in
the Ballroom!
6
Dave Rathnow - Shin Ken Kai Nobara Iaido Club
THWOMP
From their humble beginnings as grumpy ceiling-dwellers, waiting
for their big break to drop and crush passing heroes, THWOMP
have rocked the airwaves with the sounds of video game
nostalgia. Drawing on influences from the golden age of console
gaming from composers such as Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy),
Koji Kondo (Super Mario Bros), Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger),
Yumiko Kanki (F-Zero) and others, THWOMP speaks to the inner
child of a generation of gamers.
You probably know the music but you’ve never heard nor seen it
like this. Cranked at 115 decibels through screaming amps with
even screaminger guitar solos, it is 16 bits of sonic bliss. It doesn’t
stop there: THWOMP are known to wear eccentric costumes,
evoking everything from mad scientists in lab coats to swordwielding heroes. The audience joins in the fun too: gamers in the
audience are often invited to play the very games THWOMP is
rocking out on vintage consoles on-stage.
Iaido is a traditional Japanese sword art, more commonly known
as “The Way of Drawing the Sword”. It is a
non-combative martial art practiced with a metal replica or a real
katana (Japanese sword). Practitioners work to achieve improved
awareness by focusing the mind and body on a complex, single
activity. Iaido practice was first formalized sometime in the
late 16th century, but its roots go far back to the origins of the
Samurai, Japan’s old warrior class.
This session will present a history of Iaido and the role the sword
played in the life of the Samurai. There will be demonstrations of
Iaido kata, or “forms”, as well as of cutting with a real katana.
Dave Rathnow has studied Iaido for over 18 years and has 5th dan
ranking in the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido school. He teaches
for the Shin Ken Kai Nobara Iaido Club in Calgary and gives regular
demonstrations at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens in Lethbridge.
http://www.skknobara.com
http://www.thwomp.net
Node Gaming is a new-concept, high-tech video gaming centre,
offering the best multi-player action in Southern Alberta! They’ll
be bringing their blazingly fast gaming computers to Otafest and
will offer free gaming all weekend long!
Check them out in ‘That Empty Space’, a 1500+ sqft space
dedicated entirely to gaming at Otafest, just across from the
Vendor’s Hall!
http://nodegaming.com
Midnight Taiko is a group of taiko drummers who have played at
Otafest previously, spreading their love for the art of Japanese
drumming. Midnight Taiko is so passionate about taiko, they
would gladly stay up all night playing! With their unique brand of
audience participation, they will continue to put on a show you
don’t want to miss!
http://www.midnight-taiko.com
7
MAIN EVENTS GUIDE
Every year, Otafest is honoured to host many events for our
community. From perennial favourites such as Otafest Idol, Maid
Café, and Synaptic Chaos Theatre, to awe-inspiring concerts with
first time guests LIX, we strive to entertain every member of our
convention.
Otafest patrons are a talented bunch as well, and we offer many
opportunites for you to showcase your skills - Otafest Idol for
singers, Cosplay Contest for the dramatic and creative, and much
more.
Furthermore, many of our events offer the chance to help donate
funds towards charity, to give back to our city and area, to assist
those in need.
There are prizes to be won, friends to be with, and memories to
be made so get out there and experience all that Otafest has to
offer!
AMV Contest
This popular energy-packed panel makes yet another appearance
at Otafest 2012! Creators splice scenes from various animes and
set them to music to create an amazing music video.
Awards Ceremony
Just when you think Otafest is almost over, there’s still more to do!
At the Awards Ceremony we’ll be announcing winners to all the
contests and charity donation milestones! Who knows - it might
be your name coming out of those speakers!
Cosplay Contest
Otafest’s premiere event, the Cosplay Contest! This extremely
popular event celebrates the creativity of our cosplay community
as they pay tribute to their favourite series and characters through
splendid costumes and entertaining skits!
LIX Concert
Are you ready to ROCK?! Otafest 2012 is bringing you the
incredible performance of the duo known as LIX! With the
talented Chihiro on vocals and Yuu on guitar, their performance
will blow you away!
Their concert begins Saturday May 19th in the Ballroom, so don’t
miss out!
Lloyd the Conqueror Advance Showing
Lloyd hasn’t conquered much in his life, but he really needs that
C average. Unfortunately his medieval literature professor is
Derek the Unholy and the extra credit he needs involves defeating
his dark army of Orcs in the local LARP (live action role-playing)
tournament. Now Lloyd and his two friends must memorize
spellbooks, master sword play, and bring the White Wizard out of
self-imposed exile if they are to save their funding and win the girl
– who fortunately happens to be an ex-cage fighter.
Make sure you check out the special screening of Lloyd the
Conqueror and special Q&A session afterwards with the
filmmakers!
8
Opening Ceremonies
Auction
How does one kick off an event such as Otafest? With the
Opening Ceremonies of course! Join us as we welcome you, the
community, to yet another amazing year with us. Learn about
what we have in store for you, from major guests to our charity of
choice this season!
This is your chance to pick up on some great deals on anime
paraphernalia!
Otafest Idol
Maid Café
It’s one thing to sing along with your favourite anime theme songs
sitting at home - it’s a whole other beast to perform it onstage in
front of an audience of anime fans! Come and watch our aspiring
vocalists perform a variety of anime, video-game and J-pop songs.
Who will be crowned the Otafest Idol champion of 2012?
If you find yourself parched and weary, come visit the Otafest
Maid Cafe, a curious extract of Japan’s Akihabara district to
purchase a drink, served to you by a charming maid cosplayer.
Proceeds of the café go towards charity, so come by with your
friends to support a great cause.
THWOMP Concert
Please note that due to limited time and seating, we will be taking
reservations only - no walk-ins. You may pick up a reservation
ticket at a desk near the Registration Area.
THWOMP graces Otafest’s stage once more! This perennial fanfavourite band owns the stage with your favourite
16-bit tracks transcending their way into Rock n’ Roll!
THWOMP will be performing May 19th in the Ballroom!
Synaptic Chaos Theatre Improv
Once more, we welcome the ever-entertaining Synaptic Chaos
Theatre improv group! This hilarious crew will have you rolling in
your seats with laughter all weekend.
Please check the schedule for more information!
Video Games Room
Console and PC gaming to the max, all weekend long! Node
Gaming makes their debut at Otafest 2012 with a host of games
on their sleek and powerful PCs. Or, you can join your friends on
our consoles! Check out the schedule for more information or just
drop in and have a great time!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
There will be a separate Charity Auction as well, with proceeds
becoming donations for the Humane Society.
Mr. and Miss Otafest
Did you see somebody’s amazing costume and wished that they
could win something for their efforts? Well, now you have the
chance to pick your favourite male and female cosplayer! We’ll
tally up the votes and present Mr. and Miss Otafest at the Awards
Ceremony on Sunday!
Otafest - U of C vs Convention Centre
Help decide Otafest’s future! Do you love having Otafest at the
University? Would you prefer to see the festival move to a bigger
venue? Come to this feedback panel and offer your thoughts!
Otafest Forum Meetup
Where does the community go when Otafest isn’t happening? On
our forums of course! All are welcome, from forum regulars to
people who have yet to register. Come meet our awesome online
community in person!
QR Code Hunt
You’ve found a Limited Edition Otafest 2012 forum badge! To
obtain it, simply login/register on the Otafest Forums via mobile
device, scan this QR code with a barcode app, and obtain your
prize!
Acoustic Performance and Q&A with LIX & J-Rock North
Promotions
What could be better than an acoustic performance with our
feature musical guest LIX? Come join our feature music guests for
a tantalizing jam session and ask your burning questions about the
life of a Japanese music artist!
AMV Viewing Blocks
There are many more QR codes to be found - why don’t you ask
one of our friendly Otafest Executives where you might find one?
So many brilliant AMVs out there, so little time! Come out to
the AMV viewing blocks, where you’ll see some of the most
entertaining AMVs from the past several years! Check the
schedule for more information!
Q&A with Voice Actors - Andrea Libman and Brendan Hunter
Curious about a day in the life of Andrea Libman and Brendan
Hunter? Come to this Q&A panel, where they will graciously host
and answer your questions!
Please check the schedule for more information!
9
PANELS GUIDE
Part of what makes Otafest such a rich convention community is
due to the fact that we have an unending source of panel content hosted by members within the community itself.
Each year, individuals step up and submit panels that are fun,
informative, insane, or all three combined. The hardest part of
enjoying it all is finding the time to attend your favourite ones!
Come learn everything you’ve wanted to know about BJD,
including where to buy and what to do after you’ve received one.
The world is ending... or is it? Come find out all about
“apocalyptic fiction” and how the threat of the 2012 apocalypse
has influenced anime, manga, and gaming in the recent years.
Ca$h ‘n Gun$: Double or Nothing
CA$H ‘N GUN$ LIVE returns for its second year. Prop guns may be
banned from Otafest, but finger guns aren’t! Show your mob style
by taking out your opponents and collecting loot to please the
Godfather. Run, shoot, and hide to survive.
30 Years of Gundam
Moeaagare Gundam! From Universal Century to Advanced
Generation, or perhaps Heero Yuy to Kira Yamato, join in a
discussion of all things Gundam!
Celebrity Jam Session
Acting for Cosplayers
Eager to see a different side of our celebrity guests? Grab a seat
at Synaptic Chaos Theatre’s Celebrity Jam Session and watch our
guests live out their rockstar dreams!
For all cosplayers and actors alike! Synaptic Chaos Theatre will
teach you how to improve your acting skills so you can shine on
stage!
Convention/Cosplay Drama
Anime Blabbermouth
Like talking about anime? Think you know the most about anime?
Here’s your chance to prove it. Anime Blabbermouth pins two
teams against one another in a battle of knowledge and lip speed.
If you think you have what it takes, come test yourself in Anime
Blabbermouth!
Anime EDGE returns with another blast full of insanity, hilarity
and everything in between. Watch as we mash together over 15
different games and game-shows to create one of the maddest
and wildest game-shows you will ever see. Leave your sanity at
the door!
Anime Guess Who?
Do your characters have big eyes and a small mouth? Anime
Guess Who does. The classic children’s game revamped animestyle with lots of challenges and tons of fun for all ages, come
check out Anime Guess Who.
Anime Things
A laugh out loud gameshow where players give answers to
outrageous scenarios and outwit their opponents. Anime Things
gives contestants scenarios and asks them what “things” they
would (or wouldn’t) bring with them!
Anime Match Game
Has anime warped your mind? Can it stand up to the panel from
Synaptic Chaos Theatre?! Join host Eryn Dearden and compete to
win fantastic prizes in this great twist on the classic game show! A
co-production of Robomiko, tiltyhouse.com, and Synaptic Chaos
Theatre.
The classic game-show, anime style! Back for its 10th year, the
game where we give you the answers and you have to get the
questions right.
Ball Jointed Dolls
2012 - The End of the World?
Anime EDGE
Anime Jeopardy
Convention/Cosplay drama is becoming a bigger influence in the
community. It is making a negative impact for those involved and
those who are just budding into the anime community.
We will be covering the whole fandom vs. fandom, inner fandom
vs. inner fandom, and the negative impact of trolling.
Cosplay Photography 101
Wanna know how to perfect your ability to capture that super
kawaii cosplayer? We can help! Tips and tricks along with basics of
lighting, location, etiquette and how to capture the perfect shot!
Cospray for Dummies
Do regular cosplay tutorials bore you? Cospray for Dummies is
for you! Watch some dummies explain to you the complicated
world of cosplay, wigs and props. Q&A, and tutorials! All levels of
experience welcome.
Doki-Doki Kyuu-Kyuu Challenge
In the mood for something less physical? Come see Doki-Doki
Kyuu-Kyuu Challenge, a panel game where two opposing teams
are given silly things to do by host Coriander Dickinson! A coproduction of tiltyhouse.com and Synaptic Chaos Theatre.
DOTA/MOBA Panel
DotA? MOBA? Learn what these are and experience why these
games are loved so much. People of all skill levels are welcome.
Dub This!
Ever wanted to dub your own anime? Combined with the SCT,
EDGE Gameshows are giving you the opportunity to do just that.
Come see what hilarious results come from combining Anime and
Improv in Anime Dub This.
10
Fanart Blitz
Mahou Shoujo Trivia
Let’s learn how to draw like your favourite artists. Just bring in
a manga/dvd jacket or visual piece and we’ll give you a quick
breakdown on what defines the artist’s work.
Test your knowledge of Magical Girls in a trivia game in Jeopardy
format. Winners will get magical prizes!
My Little Brony
Foul Bachelor Frog Bingo (18+ Only)
Relate to Foul Bachelor Frog meme. Win prizes. Foul Bachelorettes
welcome.
Gaia Online
Are you 20% cooler than most? Have you seen a ton of grown men
asking for the toys at McDonald’s and wonder what’s going on?
This panel is for you! Come meet other Bronies or find out how
My Little Pony became a cultural phenomenon!
Odotte Mita: I Danced! Competition
Join us for a quick introduction and fun discussion of everything
Gaia Online has to offer! Gaia is a forum site with many other
popular features that you’ll be sure to love. Games will be played
for great prizes, so don’t miss out!
Know how to dance to popular anime tunes? Memorized the
whole routine for k-pop/jpop songs? Would you like to show off
your moves to a Vocaloid song?
How to Improv
Join Synaptic Chaos Theatre for lessons on developing your own
improv skills. Get a look at how these talented funnymen (and
women) have honed their craft for over a decade!
Come enter our dance competion! Odotte Mita has become a big
hit around the world with YouTube and NicoNico streams, so do
you think you can join the ranks of other fellow odottemitas?
Open to group and solo entries. Dances will be performed to
audiences.
How to Sew a Kimono
Otafest Tactical Challenge
Want to learn to traditionally sew a kimono? Check out this panel
for tips from a student of a kimono maker who lived and worked
in Japan for 20 years.
The top secret plans for Otafest’s latest weapon of mass
entertainment Project FOXHOUND have been stolen. It is your task
to retrieve them.
Improv for Roleplayers
Pick up your supplies and proceed to the enemy camp. upon
retrieval of the plans return to base. Don’t get caught!
Every RPG has one - the rules lawyer, the min/maxer, the gamedestroyer. Synaptic Chaos Theatre has the cure for your RPG woes
- IMPROV! Join SCT for a talk/demo on how improv rules can turn
your campaign from party-loss into legend!
Otaku Jeopardy
5 contestants answer questions based off of anime, videogames,
and American comics in a similar style to Jeopardy. Who is the
biggest otaku?
Korean Music, Manhwa and Dramas
A look into the Hallyu Wave. Come and explore the Korean wave
with us.
Roll Your Own Con
Late-Night Dub Fight
A SMASH SCT HIT! Watch Synaptic Chaos Theatre flex their improv
skills as they redub a bizarre selection of anime, TV, and movies
you’ve probably never heard of! No prizes! No limits! No way to
leave after we lock the doors!
Lawlzy Fanfics As Read By A Classy Guy
Is it still bestiality if they’re both ponies? We’ve all read fan
fictions that were so horrible they made us laugh and die a little
inside. Join our host Chad Nester as he reads out loud horrible fan
fictions submitted by you! Let his wonderful voice soothe your
nerves.
Let’s Draw Bishounen and Bishoujo
Want to do more than just attend a con? Join Brendan “Beej” Dery
of Synaptic Chaos Theatre for a seminar on how to roll your own
convention! Learn from his years of experience as an Animethon
executive and guest of many other cons, and start planning your
very own!
Sailor Moon - A Celebration of 20 Years
In celebration of Sailor Moon’s 20th Anniversary, a history of Sailor
Moon will be presented along with a comparison of the different
media forms Sailor Moon has taken.
Seriously Ridiculous Dub-Bashing Palooza of Pure Insanity
A unique musical variety show for the masses, put on by Pure
Insanity Enterprises (a.k.a. The Kamloops Anime Club) in the form
of parodies, original songs, and dance numbers!
A speed drawing class on how to draw beautiful boys and girls of
manga. It’s a race against the clock to complete a drawing from
scratch and take design suggestions from the audience!
11
Steampunk 101
Touhou Panel
A look at all things Steampunk: How to break into the movement,
what it means to be a Steampunker and how to get started.
The Touhou Project is a series of games in the bullet hell shootem-up genre with an all-loli cast. What more can you want?
The Traveling Fangirl
Videogame Showdown
Traveling out of town for conventions can be a lot of fun and a
great experience. However, there are some things you should
know, so you aren’t caught in a tight spot when you’re out of
town. For con-goers both older and younger, with a nod to
speaking with parents.
Two teams go head-to-head to show who’s best at videogames.
Players will answer trivia questions, beat videogame challenges,
and even play against the audience in order to win the Videogame
Showdown!
The Homestuck Panel
Let us tell you about Homestuck! The first half of this panel will
introduce the series and characters (without massive spoilers) to
anyone new to the series or just wondering what all the fuss is
about. The second half is dedicated to current fans: discuss, make
friends, play games, and win some sweet loot!
The Wonderful World of Yaoi
Welcome to the wonderful world of yaoi, where it’s always
sunshine & rainbows! Come out to the panel to find out more
about yaoi, play games & potentially win doujinshi from many
fandoms.
Werewolf: Anime Edition
Werewolf: Anime Edition is an interactive game of deduction for
two teams: Villagers and Werewolves. The Villagers don’t know
who the Werewolves are, and the Werewolves are trying to
remain undiscovered while they slowly pick off the Villagers one
at a time.
VENDORS GUIDE
Comic-Kazi
Here’s your chance to stock up on all your geek-related
merchandise!
The Otafest Vendor Room is chock-full of goods from vendors all
across the nation. Based on feedback from previous years, Otafest
has gathered vendors which cater to your most-wanted shopping
needs.
You’ll find clothing, manga, anime, models and figurines, DVDs
and music CDs, plushies, cute accessories and more!
There are many returning vendors stocking product that you
know and love - however, please welcome many of our brand new
vendors who offer even more selection to our Vendor Room.
Our complete vendor list this year:
Anime Hypercubed
Animodeling Zone
C&L Multimedia
Canada Cosplay
Cartoon Passions
Comic-Kazi
Dark Phoenix
Fancy Owl
Felix & Kitty Creative
Global Anime
Greentea Design
Irben Entertainment
Just Yuki
Lesa’s Enchanted Attic
Maru Cosplay
Megazone
New Games +
Nexwave Video Games
Otaku Entertainment
Paperstreet Cosplay Co.
Phoenix Comics NW
Punch Brand
Redd Skull Comics
Sheepish Couture
Sun Anime
The Sentry Box
Words & Pictures
Yes Anime
Read on for more information about just what kind of awesome
stuff you can find in our Vendors Room!
Manga, manga and lots of manga! 50% off DVD and CDs!
Gundam models, T-shirts, apparel and accessories, plushies, action
figures, art books, How To Draw books, jewelry, trading cards,
posters, Angry Birds, Godzilla and more.
Visit Comic-Kazi on Stage Corner left at Otafest 2012.
One FREE Iwako Sushi Eraser for purchases over $30! (while
quantities last.)
Comic-Kazi has been serving Calgary anime fans for 18 years.
Visit the store and see our manga and anime room. Comic-Kazi is
located at 4307 Macleod Trail SW Calgary - conveniently accessible
by C-Train at 39th Ave SW LRT station and by number 10 bus
which stops at our door.
Contact us at (403) 286-0544 or www.comickazi.com for store
hours and information.
Cosplay Canada
Canada’s most globally recognized cosplay fashion designer
returns! Hats, Scarves, Hoodies, Buttons, Yu-Gi-Oh and More!
The ever in demand CanadaCosplay.com is returning to Otafest
for 2012. Check out our fun new items as well get your chance to
snag a classic treasure.
This year’s promotions include: early bird specials, $10 grab
bags (more random with more variety), a NEW interactive online
printable coupon available at calgarycosplay.deviantart.com and
facebook.com/CanadaCosplay where you save on the product
you choose. We’ve dramatically increased our selection of button
badges with the latest and most popular memes and popular
culture references!
Just look for the tallest banner in the vendor room!
14
Irben Entertainment
Punch Brand
We provide anime DVDs, manga, anime t-shirts and collectibles,
special orders and much more!
Email: [email protected]
FB Group: New Irben Entertainment
Punch Brand is best known for their crazyheads brand of animalinspired character hats and hoodies with ears. We are your online
source for cute alternative clothing and accessories from our
crazyheads and well-known brands like Angry Little Girls, ESPE,
Sock It To Me & Monster Factory.
Maru Cosplay
Otaku Entertainment
Maru Cosplay is an online store specializing in cosplay. Each
cosplay is commissioned with great care to deliver details and
quality. Maru Cosplay is also a retailer of C.C Kids wigs, EOS Color
Lens, Etude House make-up, Into-The-Cos cosplay props, MengMeng Cosplay Shoes, and Sweetie Raccoon wigs.
Otaku Entertainment is a group of friends from Regina, SK who
love anime and have enjoyed attending conventions such as
Otafest for the past 6 years! We carry a very large selection of
anime and manga, and would be happy to help you find the series
you’re looking for. Stop by our booth in the vendors room and
don’t hesitate to ask any questions!
A wide range of cosplays, lens, make-up, and wigs will be
presented for sale during the convention and the sign-up sheet for
pre-ordering items that are not in-stock will be available. There
will also be various artworks from Edmonton and Vancouver
artists available during Otafest!
For more information, please visit Maru Cosplay Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/MaruCosplay.
New Game+
NewGame+ (formerly part of Arcadia Games & Collectibles) is
back for our 3rd Otafest to provide patrons with quality rare and
retro video games at reasonable prices.
This year we will also have strategy guides, rare international
imports from both Japan and Europe, authentic Japanese game
soundtracks (absolutely NO bootlegs), Japanese anime mini-CDs,
$5 manga, and more! We are also teaming up with Pixel Paradise
to provide you high quality bead art.
Visit us on the web at www.newgameplus.ca (coming soon). See
you there fellow gamers!
Redd Skull Comics
Located at 720A Edmonton trail N.E., Redd Skull is Calgary’s best
little comics shop. Owned and operated by Kelly Dowd, this store
has been serving Calgary for just over 18 years.
We offer one of the best selections of comics and trade
paperbacks found anywhere in Calgary and all at truly great prices.
We also carry all kinds of manga, games, TCGs, toys, statues,
busts, and hidden gems. Stop by and you’ll never know what you’ll
find. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is there to help you out
whenever you need it.
For event updates, you can also follow us at facebook.com/
reddskull
Thanks for shopping at Redd Skull comics!
Words & Pictures
WORDS & PICTURES may sound familiar - a “Mini” Words &
Pictures was once located on the U of C campus.
We carry a large selection of manga, comics, art books, figures,
games, supplies and a Young Readers section.
We’re open Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat: 11:00 - 6:00,
Wed & Thurs: 11:00 - 7:00, Sun/Holidays 12:00 - 5:00
WORDS & PICTURES is conveniently located at 2610 Centre St.
N.E., via Calgary Transit bus #3. Phone #: 403 282-8870.
15
COMMUNITY GUIDE
LITERATURE CONTEST
From the first-time patron to a veteran volunteer, Otafest greatly
values the community. Every individual who attaches themselves
to the name of Otafest bring value to our community through
their diversity and ideas.
FIRST PLACE
Chill Out! Stress Management for Convention Goers
by Sarah Woloschuk
As in previous years, Otafest held a few contests to give our
wonderfully supportive community the chance to showcase their
artistic talents.
Needless to say, it was very difficult to pull out a clear winner in
any category. Our community has displayed such passion and
creativity in their work that it is impossible to go on without saying
that all our participants should be very proud of themselves.
The contests covered three different categories. The first category
was a writing challenge, followed by an Otafest mascot fanart
contest, and last but not least, an essay contest written by our
volunteer membership.
The Literature Contest was created to host a wide variety of
written content relevant to Otafest and Japanese culture.
Let’s take a minute and envision what the perfect convention
weekend might look like. Whatever method of transportation used
– transit, car, or foot-power – you left early, had minimal delays
along the way, and arrived on time to a fast-moving registration
line. Not only have you budgeted appropriately for food costs,
but you have more than adequate resources available to fund
whatever purchases you make in the vendors room or Artist’s
Alley. Panels are hosted without a hitch. None of the major events
are running behind schedule. The cosplay contest is chock full of
witty and well-executed skits. Washrooms are uncrowded and
clean the whole day through. Your friends and you have a blast;
you make a bunch of new ones; no one causes or is the object of
drama. At the end of the weekend you return home: exhilarated,
satisfied, and exhausted in the best way possible.
Now let’s take a moment and be realistic.
First Place:
Chill Out! Stress Management for Convention Goers
by Sarah Woloschuk
Runner-up:
The Difference
by Lor Steward
Honourable Mention:
The Job of a High School Host
by Emily Chow
The Mascot Contest, for aspiring artists to illustrate Persephone,
Otafest’s official mascot as a Magical Girl, Otafest 2012’s theme.
First Place:
Tom Aparici
Runner-up:
Cindy Chen
Honourable Mention:
Candy Niu
The Scholarship Contest, for the volunteer community that has
given so much to Otafest to be recognize and rewarded for their
dedicated work.
Scholarship Award:
Mitchell Nabata
High School Award:
Sophie Wong
The Otafest team thanks everybody for their submission and
their dedication in contributing to our community. Please browse
further to experience these wonderful works. You can also view
previous entries for all our contests at wiki.otafest.com.
We hope to see your entry next year!
Figure 1: It is almost guaranteed that you will
feel like this at some point in the weekend
If you’ve ever been to a convention, you know that Murphy’s
Law rules the day: anything and everything that can go wrong,
will. If you plan for five undesirable situations in advance, a 6th
one, unprecedented and totally unplanned for, will immediately
surface specifically to mess with you. Cash reserves will vanish in
episodes of temporary insanity. Costumes, finished at 5:00 am the
morning of, get torn, stained, and stepped on. Furthermore, they
are ill-fitting, painful, choking, heat-stroke inducing monstrosities
that impede all fine motor skills (not to say regular motion) and
require maintenance or touching-up every five minutes. Wigs
tangle. Props come undone. Cameras run out of space, battery
life, or both. When you need someone, they vanish; when you
don’t want to see someone, they pop up everywhere. Everything
starts late. And I haven’t even mentioned practical problems like
parking, parents, dining, scheduling, con-creeps, and the public,
general.
Don’t get me wrong; conventions are a blast. They’re an annual
champagne bottle of excitement: fizzy, delicious, eagerly
anticipated and wistfully, reluctantly left behind. But let’s
not forget that when the bottle’s popped open, the contents
overfloweth, and someone might get a cork to the face. Put a less
extravagant way: it’s usually a highlight within the year, but crap
happens.
Emotions naturally run in a higher key at cons. I’ve come away
from some feeling disillusioned, embittered, and absolutely
fatigued. Maybe the programming was off. Maybe there was
drama with a friend or significant other. Maybe it was one of those
days where a break simply could not be caught.
16
So what’s the average Joe or Jean gonna do when the unexpected
hits you like a rake to the face? Every situation is unique.
Conventions bring together persons from all demographics,
each coming from different circumstances and with different
personality types. As a result, there isn’t one solution set that
can be diagnosed as a cure-all for con woes. However, there are
some guidelines that I think can be set in advance to prep you for
whatever might come your way:
1)
Plan Ahead
This one may strike you as odd when I’ve just spent a good
amount of time telling you there are so many things that cannot
be planned for. But it’s the first and most obvious thing to do:
prepare yourself for as much as you can, well in advance to reduce
risk. This means:
a. Make a packing list of everything you’ll need and double check
before leaving
b. Try to make everything as comfortable as possible – cosplays,
bags for the con, etc. Think functionality and practicality in all
things.
c. Take a look at the convention programming in advance to get a
sense of the things you may want to participate in.
d. Also look at the forums; it’s a great way to plan meetups and
get information you might not find elsewhere.
e. Budget budget budget – have a sense of where you need to
spend money. Transportation, lodgings, con admission, food,
the works. And then plan for spending money. And save up
for it.
Figure 2: Flexibility: not exactly like this, but
close enough!
6)
Flexibility is a serious asset
Try to roll with the punches. If something doesn’t work out, a
backup plan is great! If it’s out of your control, don’t sweat it! If
a friend needs help, try to make yourself available. And don’t be
afraid to sacrifice the things you wanted to do if it means helping a
friend out; we all need support.
7)
Be patient, be respectful, and be open to unexpected
good things.
At the end of the day conventions are meant to be fun. It can be
frustrating when things don’t happen as you had expected, or
wanted; but with a little forethought and a lot of determination to
stay positive, the good things are guaranteed to outweigh the bad.
Almost. If not… well, there’s always next year!
2)
Emergency kits
Whether it’s related to cosplay, photography, or general consavviness, have an emergency kit made out. Cosplayers should
have sewing things, safety pins, and hot glue; photographers,
extra batteries and/or a charger, spare memory or film, etc. For
most congoers the following is a good general pack: water bottle,
emergency cash, phone charger, deodorant.
3)
Be Healthy
This also should be self-explanatory, but follow the 5-2-1 rule for
each day: at least: 5 hours of sleep; 2 full, solid meals with all 4
food groups; and 1 shower. That’s the minimum requirement.
4)
Know thyself
Know what kind of a person you are. Are you more the type to
hang out with one core group of people the whole time, or would
you prefer to drift around between groups? Are you looking to
spend lots of time at fandom meetups, or are you a sampler of
everything? Main events or panels? Anime showings or gaming
room? The more you know about the kind of convention you want
to have, the better you can shape your day.
5)
Communicate
Talk to your friends. Know what major things need to happen, and
who you can call if you’re in a pinch.
17
RUNNER UP
The Difference
by Lor Steward
The next part of the story is a little less manly.
A few of the details surrounding that morning are a bit fuzzy for
me (see: medically cushioned) but there is one thing I will never
forget about that Otafest, and it is the exact thing I tell those
cynics when they ask me why the anime community is such a
big deal to me. Otafest gave me something that I’ll never be able
to pay back to them, no matter how many times I attend and
donate and participate. Otafest brought my friends and I to an
extraordinary group of people, one of whom I’m not afraid to say
has become the love of my life.
Often I get asked why I won’t let go of this community, this
fellowship of anime, manga, and gaming nerds. I get asked why
I still cosplay, purchase DVDs, watch reviews, try to meet anime
industry people. I get asked a lot why it’s such an important part
of my life. There’s an interesting stigma about this community
compared to others in the world of Nerdage. Nerd hierarchy
dictates that when you’re in your twenties, it is still perfectly
acceptable to fangasm over George R.R. Martin or marathon
Star Wars like the world is about to end. But to associate
yourself as a fan of anime – much less participate in the anime
community – is some kind of serious social faux pas, as if there’s
nothing to gain in the anime community, like if you’ve reached
the legal age of drinking you’re too tall for the ride. When I have
these conversations I feel like these individuals haven’t really
experienced the community, much less one as tightly knit as
Otafest’s. It’s really too bad because Otafest and anime have
brought my life things of immeasurable value – and I’m not just
talking about autographs or merchandise.
And that is the difference between every other part of Nerdage
I’ve carried a card for. Because even with my lost voice, fever, and
overdose on medication, still noticed me, gave me a chance, and it
turned into one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced.
This wasn’t through speed dating or a matching game. We
happened to be cosplaying a canon pair from the same series and
ran into each other on Cosplay Hill. Otafest brought me the best
friends I’ve ever had, and brought me together with someone who
would become my girlfriend even though I looked and sounded
like death itself. If that doesn’t show the greatest thing any
community can bring, then I don’t know what does and I’m not so
sure the cynics and critics do, either.
Of course, it’s not as if I’m ignorant to the one or two bad apples
that show up in every community. I’ve been tackled into the
bushes while in cosplay and I’ve been followed to my hotel room
by a person twice my age. Now, my degree isn’t in sociology or
statistics, but I’m told that being stalked is not exclusive to anime
fans, so I feel like that experience might be a moot point. I would
go so far as to say the pros of this community outweigh the cons.
And while I’m sure everyone here in our place in the world of
Nerdage would agree, I feel like it is important to address the
above cynicisms and stand up for our community.
I guess when I look back on it, this isn’t my indignant retort to
cynics so much as it is a thank-you to Otafest and the anime
community. Maybe that’s the real difference. Or maybe I’m just
happily deluded by my own sparking pink backgrounds and
floating hearts, but my story is one that says “Love begets love”
and that’s so much more powerful than the stigma that tells me
I’m not young enough to be here. It’s the difference that I hope
runs true for us all.
I have had the fortune of being able to travel around the province,
and across the country to visit conventions and see nerdiness in
its fullest outside of Calgary. But I’ve spent most of my life here
and Otafest is home. Otafest is where I debuted my first cosplay. It
was my first convention when I was fourteen, and it’s always held
the weekend before my birthday so it’s almost like having two
birthdays every year since. I’ve met so many new friends, friends
that have become close, and Otafest is probably the reason my
best friend and I became so close. These were all little things that
kept bringing me back, things that seemed almost insignificant
compared to what Otafest did for me last year.
Last May I came down with some kind of death plague. Everything
from my eyes, to my lungs, to my ears required some kind of
painkiller or antibiotic. This happened three days before Otafest
2011. Since that January I’d been working on a cosplay (and
I spent five months bleaching my hair to a perfect shade of
blonde!), and roped my friends into working on cosplays from the
same series (and one of these friends was flying in from Halifax).
But I caved and had to back out of Friday to rest, and missed
most of Saturday to see a doctor and clear the pharmacy of its
medications. I didn’t get to see panels. I didn’t get to hang out
on Cosplay Hill. I was absolutely miserable. But I am a stubborn
person, so I ignored my doctor, loaded up on my vitamin C,
medication, and painkillers, put on my cosplay and willed my body
into making it through Sunday painlessly. Otafest is always the
highlight of my year and I wasn’t about to let some death plague
take it away from me. And I’m so glad I did.
HONOURABLE MENTION
The Job of a High School Host
by Emily Chow
“Where are we?” Haruhi asked dreadfully.
The young female, along with six other high school boys, were
standing at the foyer of the Science Theatres at the University of
Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
“Well, according to my research, this is an annual Japanese
anime convention for commoners, called ‘Otafest’, which I believe
is a contraction of the words ‘Otaku’ and ‘festival’,” a bespectacled
boy exclaimed while scribbling in his little black
notebook.
A certain blonde-haired half-French, half-Japanese host was
bounding all over the place with great excitement.
“Lemme guess, this was Tamaki-senpai’s idea?” Haruhi sighed
knowingly.
“Yup,” Hikaru and Kaoru agreed in union. “The boss wanted to
check it out. Plus a lot of the money is going to charity anyway.”
“But why didn’t we dress up like some of the others here?”
Honey asked curiously.
“Hn,” his cousin Mori grunted with his usual monotone.
Suddenly Tamaki bounded over to them. “Hey guys, I just heard
that there’s a host club event going on! Let’s go check it out!”
“Hmm… I wonder…” Kyouya mused. “Could it be…?”
18
He smiled. “As I thought, it is you,” he replied. “It’s good to see
you again, Yomi.”
“EHH?!” the others gasped.
“You know her, Kyou-chan?!” Honey exclaimed. He nodded. “Gentlemen, Haruhi, this is my long-time friend and
pen pal Yomi C. Whel,” he introduced. “Yomi, this is the host club
I’ve been telling you about.”
“I-It’s an honour to meet you all!” she greeted with a deep bow.
“My apologies, but as much as I’d love to chat right now, I’m in a
really big rush.”
“Is something wrong? Your event should have started ten
minutes ago, right?” Haruhi asked.
“The guys I hired for this host club event haven’t shown up yet,”
Yomi explained quickly, “and I haven’t been able to get into
contact with any of them. But I’d feel horrid if I had to cancel.
Some of these people have been waiting for hours. I-I just- I don’t
know what to do anymore…” She seemed to tear up a little in her
frustration.
Immediately they knew what needed to be done.
“Do not fret, my dear princess,” Tamaki assured proudly, “we’ll
be the hosts for your event today.”
“After all,” Kyouya added as he pushed up his glasses, “it is our
policy to make every girl happy.” The corner of his lips curled into
a smile.
“Let’s go!” Honey cheered, pumping a small fist in the air. “Come
on guys!”
As they made their way to the designated Science Theatre
room, they suddenly heard roaring female laughter… particularly
one specific voice. Immediately they thought of a certain lady
manager.
“Hello boys!” a 16-year-old girl greeted as she stepped out of a
room, cackling. “It is none other than I, Renge Houshakuji!”
“R-Renge?!” Tamaki gasped. “What are you doing here?!”
“I’ve always been hosting a panel here at Otafest,” she answered
simply. “I run the ‘Moe-moe’ panel here. By the way, you guys
should go check out the Host Club panel. I hear there’s a really
long line-up!”
Honey beamed. “In fact, we’re heading there right now!”
“Oh, well, have fun then!” their manager cheered. “Perhaps
you’ll get some more ideas for the host club back at Ouran.”
“Impressive turnout,” Kyouya noted, impressed by the long lineup of girls in front of the science room.
“But… shouldn’t the doors be open by now?” Kaoru said. “It says
in the guidebook that they’re open at one. It’s already ten past.”
Hikaru shrugged. “Perhaps they’re doing last-minute
preparations?” he suggested.
Suddenly, the door creased open and immediately the girls
cheered in excitement, only to be disappointed as a young ravenhaired girl with concerned hazel eyes popped out before bowing
deeply.
“I-I’m so sorry!” she apologized loudly, “But please wait a little
longer!”
The Ouran Host Club approached, Tamaki addressing her kindly,
“Do you need any assistance?”
Looking up, she saw a group of gorgeous boys towing along a
girl… all looking straight at her, and she was shocked. It wasn’t the
fact that these handsome young men were addressing her, it was
the fact that she had recognized a certain vice-president among
them.
“K-Kyouya Ootori?!” she gasped in horror.
A couple of hours later, Yomi’s host club finally came to a close.
With their usual charismatic charm, the guys had ended up
making her event one of the most successful of the day. As they
closed their doors, Yomi couldn’t help but crumple to her knees
in relief.
“Yo-chan! Are you okay?!” Honey gasped fretfully as he and the
others approached, still dressed in the tuxedos they borrowed
from Yomi.
Shakily, she nodded. “T-Thank you, all of you,” she said happily.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without your help. How could I
ever repay you?”
“That beautiful smile on your face is enough,” Tamaki replied
smoothly.
“It was our pleasure, Yomi,” Kyouya assured. “It was certainly a
most interesting experience.”
That’s for sure, Haruhi thought. I never thought that we’d end up
hosting on our holiday…
“B-But why would you do such a thing for me?” Yomi queried in
confusion. “It’s not that I’m not grateful or anything, but…” She
looked directly at Kyouya. “Helping me wouldn’t benefit you.”
The bespectacled genius’ smile widened. “That’s an interesting
notion, in its own way,” he commented before chuckling.
“Nevertheless, we are merely following the Ouran Host Club’s
number one policy.”
“As we are part of the Ouran High School’s elite host club,”
Tamaki declared, “it is our responsibility to make every girl happy.
That being said, shall we all enjoy the rest of the convention
together?”
She nodded, her eyes tearing up with joy.
Kyouya offered out his hand to her with a smile, and without
hesitation, Yomi took it… which led to her first steps into what
would be a whole new world… and a whole new adventure.
19
MASCOT CONTEST
FIRST PLACE
by Tom Aparici
“This is my take on the magical girl theme for this year.
I wanted mine to feel like spring time so I decided to use flower shape petals on some parts of her outfit. Originally, she was holding a
more girly and cute staff instead of a scythe, but I feel it made it kind of plain and people may not recognize Sephonie because of the
absence of her well known weapon.
The hairstyle on the other hand is a big gamble since I’ve never seen Sephonie with bun-like hair, but adding it
made it all the more magical girlish and cute in general. I didn’t want to go overboard with being cutesy, so to balance it out, I made the
scythe pretty wicked looking in my taste.
I had a bit of trouble with her wings since it’s actually my first time drawing and painting them.
At first, I made it small and flat, but it didn’t have that impact feeling I wanted it to convey, so I made it as if the wings
are protecting Sephonie.
Overall, I added things that I’d like to see on a magical girl that makes it cute and cool at the same time.
But I hope you guys like it as well!”
20
- Tom Aparici
RUNNER UP
by Cindy Chen
“I’ve been a long time Otafest fan, and Seph has been one of the
mascots that I’ve always wanted to draw, because I really love her
blue hair.
I used Otafest’s orange theme for her outfit design, which makes
a great contrast with her blue hair as complementary colours tend
to make each other more vibrant.
The theme is magic girl, so I thought an innocent/cute theme was
the way to go. Her hair is tied to a ponytail at the back and slightly
curled. I thought this aded to the cute factor. You could say it’s a
magic transformation from her usual straight-haired self.
The flowing ribbons on her hair add a dynamic feel to the overall
pose, making the picture more interesting to look at. Her sharp
and harsh scythe contrasts her cute post, hinting she is deadlier
than she looks (like many magical girls). Her wings and skirt
tails are translucent, so the colour ton varies depending on the
background colour.”
- Cindy Chen
HONOURABLE MENTION
by Candy Niu
“Since this year’s theme is magical girls and the colour was
orange, I thought that it would be appropriate to dress Seph in
more fancy, poofier dresses that obviously feature the colour
orange.
Even though she is now dressed up like a magical girl, I decided to
still keep some of her ‘angel of death’ personality and made her
seem more strong, fierce and ready, contrary to some magical girl
animes where the girl is very cutesy and bubbly.
In both of my entries, Steph is shown holding her death scythe,
but I have modified it to look more Magical-Girl-esque, complete
with flowers (tiger lilies) and ribbons. Also, I chose tiger lilies as the
flower for her, not only because they are orange, but because they
represent the more powerful aspects of femininity, which perfectly
matches with the type of image I am trying to show for Seph.”
- Candy Niu
21
Ammie Lieu-Dang
Amy Zhu
Annie Feng
Ashleigh Crabbe
Aurora Herbus
Charlotte Broers
22
Clarice Ng
Claudia Wang
Colleen Desjarlais
Derek Weselake
Dona Renz
Ester Baculi
23
Hoda Gomaa
Isaac Ho
Jemma Kim
Jessica Wen
Kelly Lane
Kimberlee Becking
24
Kirsten G.
Linda Yan
Lin Han
Mary Sanche
Melvin Kwan
Michelle Chen
25
Natasha Watling
Patricia Lo
Patricia Lo
Pauline Chin
Randi Stead
Sally Chung
26
Tyler Jepsen
Ying Han
Yuchen Yang
Yvonne Hoang
27
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
First and foremost, Otafest had impacted my life by making the
May long weekend a time to look forward to. The con has always
been a blast since the first year I attended and has only become
more exciting as I become increasingly involved. Beyond this, the
convention and the people who help make it happen have taught
me many lessons about myself and life in general.
One such learning that I have taken away from Otafest is the
importance of people and how you choose to interact with them.
As a non-profit organization, Otafest runs off the people who put
it together.
If the executives, volunteers, or attendees lost interest in the con
or their passion towards anime and Japanese culture, the con
would simply cease to exist. This is important to note as I feel
like much of the modern world forgets the people. Many people
strive for a high paying job, but forget to follow their passion
and interest. Many companies produce products or services that
feel forced upon the consumer and do not take their true need
or interest into account. I feel that Otafest is able to avoid these
pitfalls through the quality of its staff and how they look after
the attendees. The Otafest team is genuinely interested in the
attendees’ experience and enjoyability of the convention and
this interest translates into the involvement of the community
and the bettering of the festival. I am working towards becoming
an industrial designer and this field is directly governed by this
company – client balance that Otafest is so good at.
Many things I have learned now will help me make decisions in my
future career path.
My experiences in moving from being an attendee to a volunteer
with Otafest has shown me the importance of getting involved.
When I attended Otafest for the first time, frankly I wasn’t that
impressed and didn’t have the best time. In hindsight, I didn’t
give any panels a chance, saw no new anime, and barely
interacted with anyone who wasn’t already my friend. I limited
my experience by playing it safe and refusing to get involved. Such
behavior is very detrimental and allows no change into
your life. Some of the best experiences I’ve ever had were from
being thrown into uncomfortable new situations. Volunteering
has exposed me to the benefits of getting more involved and the
impact that you can have by doing so. I feel like my input and
opinions actually make a difference in the con and that providing
positive customer service actually helps the convention become
better.
Otafest has acted as more than just a Japanese animation festival
for me. It has been the source of many new friends and role
models and has taught me the importance of pursuing your
passions. My hope is for this convention to continue for many
years as I am sure it can help others the same way it
has helped me.
- Mitchell Nabata
HIGH SCHOOL AWARD
Everyone has that one special thing that they look forward to
every year. That time could be a birthday, a holiday, or even
(gasp!) the first day of school. People spend all year waiting,
anticipating, yearning, for that one brief event, which disappears
in almost the blink of an eye.
For much of the otaku community in Calgary, and even all across
Canada, this certain event happens to be Otafest.
It’s hard to say what it is about Otafest that makes it so alluring to
con-goer and volunteer alike, what it is exactly about this 3-day
convention that keeps over four thousand people coming
back to the University of Calgary every year. Maybe it’s the anime
screenings, the gaming tournaments, or the prospects of seeing
some amazing cosplays. While this and more rings true
for many, there is a handful of people who may give you a more
personal reason as to just what brings them back to this weekendlong whirlwind.
I’ve been volunteering at Otafest for 2 years already, with this
being my 3rd and hopefully not my final year of volunteering.
I started out just as a regular con-goer, but over time, I grew
more and more attached to the event and decided to become a
volunteer.
Volunteering at Otafest has become one of the things that I look
forward to the most throughout the year. It’s become a part
of routine so to speak, it provides that much needed sense of
familiarity and grounding right when life becomes almost too
hectic to bear, especially when I’m dealing with IB exams, regular
exams, diplomas, and field hockey season.
Around February, I begin to check my email more and more
frequently, waiting for that first volunteer email to arrive. From
then on it’s a wild but always enjoyable ride of more emails,
meetings, and anticipation. It provides that much needed “break”
from everything just when it seems it might be too overwhelming
to handle.
Once Otafest is in full swing, that’s where the real fun starts.
There is something about the air and the atmosphere that just
completely shifts during this brief weekend. It feels almost
warmer, more welcoming, more alive, with the buzz of the
convention. It’s the complete change in atmosphere that I love
the most about Otafest, it’s almost intoxicating. It’s the type of
atmosphere that you just want to be a part of, that you just want
to fully immerse yourself in, and forget what else may be going
on in your life just for that brief time. You’re suddenly surrounded
by people just as passionate as you are about anime, gaming,
cosplaying, and more! It’s a time and place where you make new
friends and new memories, that you yearn for once they’re gone.
Otafest, as brief as it is, has become a genuine part of my life, one
that I’ll hate to see go if I ever have to part with it. And maybe,
Otafest can become just as much as a part of my life, or
maybe even more, to you as well.
Sayonara to guddorakku!
- Sophie Wong
28
SCREENINGS GUIDE
Before there was Otafest, there was the Dedicated Otaku Anime
club of the University of Calgary. From that anime viewing club
sprung Calgary’s very first Japanese film and culture festival, and
we honour its roots every year with a great hand-picked selection
of animes for our patrons to enjoy.
We bring you the classics, the unique, the tear-jerking, and
the new; the insane, the adorable, and much more in our
anime showing rooms. It’s where we all started. It’s where
we as a community will continue sharing joy and sadness and
undescribable emotion, watching the drama unfold on the screen.
This year, to fit our Magical Girl theme, we have selected a varied
list of animes from the “Mahou Shoujo/Shounen” genre, such as:
Antique Bakery
The cake shop ‘Antique’ is operated by four outrageously
handsome men. Will the shop owner Tachibana be able to
withstand the advances of his staff while overcoming past
relationships?
Cardcaptor Sakura
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Kore wa ZOMBIE desu ka?!
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Smile Pretty Cure
and much more in the genre, as well as other non-magic series.
There is always something for everyone, but if it’s not a regular
showing, perhaps you should hop into one of our dedicated
showing block rooms to experience a plethora of anime you may
never have seen before!
For full details of the showings here at Otafest 2012, please
continue browsing.
Aquarion Evol
It has been 12,000 years since the end of the legendary conflict
and people are now living in fear of being abducted by the
‘Abductors.’ A fateful encounter between Amada and Mikono will
change the fate of the universe if they avoid being abducted by
the ‘Abductors.’
_Genre_!
(Showing Block)
Looking for something special to watch? This is where you’ll find
it! Each episode is picked to represent a genre, representing new,
classic and niche animes. Whether they are sentimental, powerful,
or downright silly, all these and more can be found within this
showing block.
WTF?!
(Showing Block)
This legendary room has gathered some of the most wacky,
deranged, and borderline criminal anime available. How far
beyond the line will we take you? This year, we have quite the
special surprise in store; join us as we revive a piece of history!
Bento
You Sato just got beaten up for trying to buy lunch; his last
memory before falling unconscious were the panties of the girl
who came to his rescue. He must now fight his way to the top of
the food chain to enjoy a good meal.
30
Blood-C
Bodacious Space Pirates
Saya lives in old shrine with her father in a quiet Japanese town.
By day she is a mild-mannered high school student but when night
falls she takes up her sword and defends the town from the
many vicious monsters that seek to eat its inhabitants.
Marika, a first year in high school student living a peaceful life on
the planet Uminoakeboshi, has just learned that her estranged
father has died and that she has inherited his title as Pirate
Captain of the ship Bentenmaru. She has much to learn of life on
the intergalactic seas – Arr!
Broken Blade
C3
Rygart Arrow is a un-sorcerer, a rare individual lacking the ability
to manipulate quartz, that has just been summoned by his king to
defend his homeland from the ongoing border wars that
threaten the nation. But whatever can a man like Rygart do when
he is unable to even fire a rifle?
Yachi Haruaki has just received a naked woman in a box from his
travelling father and she has a liking of rice crackers. Together they
must defend the world using the 32 mechanisms of torture
that she has at her disposal.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardfight!! Vanguard
Sakura’s father has been keeping an ancient and dangerous
magical tome shelved in his basement. One day, hearing a noise
from the basement, Sakura accidently releases the magical
creatures sealed within. She must now hunt them down and
defeat them and by doings to gain their mystic powers.
A young boy gets hooked into an obviously corporate-created
card game that will waste his life and money, while attempting to
convince him that the friendships he makes while battling other
kids who couldn’t get better cards are meaningful. Dedicating his
life to this storyline that will be forgotten next broadcast season,
Aichi neglects all activities which have actual life benefits.
31
Cat Planet Cuties!
Chihayafuru
“Kitty wants to play!” Eris and her space ship full of sexy alien catgirls setup base in Kio’s home, a typical Japanese school boy. Sexy
hijinks are bound to ensue before they have to save Earth before it
goes to the dogs.
Three childhood friends learn to play an ancient Japanese card
game about poetry but end up moving away from each other.
Reunited in high school, the three take up the goal of dominating
the tournament scene and becoming the greatest players in the
world.
Gasaraki
Guilty Crown
Weapons of mass destruction are sparking conflict in the Middle
East as two shadow nations add fuel to the conflict. Nothing can
prepare humanity for what is about to be unleashed in
Gasaraki.
10 years have passed since an alien viral outbreak had forced the
Japanese government to give up its independence. Now a young
boy with no recollection of his past has joined a terrorist group
determined to usurp the ruling government and prevent it from
unleashing the virus again.
Hetalia
ICE
In a world where the nations of the world are personified as
people... PASTA!
In the year 2012 there are only women left in the world and they
are at war with each other. Much of the world has been retaken
by nature and the women of the world have been divided into
two warring factions: those who have accepted the extinction of
humanity and those that wish to retake the world and rebuild it.
32
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Kill Me Baby
Jeanne d’Arc, falsely accused of practising witchcraft and heresy
in the 15th century and burned at the stake, has been reborn
as a modern magical Japanese school girl. Tasked by God with
defeating agents of the devil, how much worse can her life get?
Can she avoid repeating her previous fate?
Sonya is an assassin with an idiot named Yasuna who is constantly
following her around, completely oblivious of how dangerous
Sonya can be. Sonya is determined to live the life of an average
high school girl; however, she often finds herself unconsciously
using her assassin skills...
Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi to Boku
Sawako Kuronuma has the unfortunate nickname of Sadako (from
The Ring) due to her lack of social skills and similar appearance.
She has always dreamed of fitting in and making friends but they
are all terrified of her. But now, the extremely popular Kazehaya is
about to change her high school life for the better.
Four high school students have been friends since kindergarden
and are always together. When a half Japanese student transfers
into their class, he immediately becomes friends with the group.
The show follows their everyday lives as they attend class and
spend time together.
Kore wa Zombie desu ka? of the Dead
Lunar Rabbit Weapon Mina
Aikawa Ayumu is a magical girl zombie but he wasn’t always
like this. After being killed by a serial killer and resurrected by
Eucliwood Hellscythe he accidentally stole the powers of a magical
girl named Haruna. Now he must both serve Eu and fight against
the anti-magical girl system ‘Megalo’ in Haruna’s place.
Mankind has discovered extra-terrestrial life and it is severely
lacking in sports. As alien sports fans invade human stadiums,
disrupting games and events, only one force in the universe is
able to stop them – Rabbit Force. A group of super powered
transforming bunny girls, they enforce the intergalactic treaties
and laws which govern sporting event attendance.
33
Lost Universe
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Kane is a mercenary for hire who is being hunted by the criminal
Nightmare syndicate. With him is the AI of his ship, Canal, and a
private eye named Milly whose life goal is to be the best at
everything. Together they must unlock the mystery of the Lost
Ships and defeat the Nightmare organization.
Several years have passed since Char’s Rebellion and the
hundredth anniversary of the Universal Century approaches. As
both the remnants of Neo Zeon and the Federation government
search for the key to Laplace’s Box, Banagher Links is caught in the
middle and refusing to take sides.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s
The world of Cephiro is threatened when Princess Emeraude,
the pillar whose will maintains the peace of this magical world, is
imprisoned by her sworn protector Nagato. Without Emeraude to
sustain it, Cephiro begins its fall to ruin. With her strength failing,
she summons three legendary magic knights to fight for Cephiro.
It has been several months since Nanoha became a magical girl
but she is still unable to meet with her friend that is being held for
trial by the Space-Time Administration. Concerns over her
friend’s legal woes are just the start of her problems as new foes
have arrived set on stealing her magical powers.
Magical Witch Punie-chan
Maken-ki!
Punie has come to Earth on the order of her mother to begin her
training amongst humans so that she can one day succeed the
throne. She quickly makes friends and her magical powers
draw unwanted attention from the school’s delinquents. Luckily,
Punie’s magical ‘power’ allow her to easily deal with all threats to
her and her new friends.
Tenbi Gakuen is an all girl school specializing in magic and combat
education that recently converted to co-ed. A newly enrolled
male student is completely lacking in both of these areas with
no magical powers or combat prowess. As one of the few male
students in the school, he has a polarizing effect on the female
students – they either hate or wish to marry him.
34
Mardock Scramble
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
In a futuristic society a young girl survives nearly being killed in
a terrible automotive accident thanks to a law called Mardock
Scramble 09. She is brought back from the brink of death as
a cyborg and now works with some private investigators so that
she can prevent others from suffering similar accidents.
Ruchia, a princess of one of the seven mermaid kingdoms, has
come ashore to the human world to battle the evil waters that are
trying to destabilize both worlds. She fights against these
demons while concealing her identity which if revealed will result
in her death. Every day is a struggle.
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan
Pretear
Ungrar, King of Viruses, has escaped from his prison cell in Vaccine
World. Maya, the Goddess of Vaccine World sends Mugimaru
down to Earth to find a human to accept the powers of Vaccine
World and become the Magical Nurse. He finds the best and only
candidate for the job when he meets the actress Komugi.
Money doesn’t solve all problems, a lesson learned by Himeno
when her father remarried into a rich family. Because of her
circumstances as both a stepsister and rich school girl, she is seen
as an outcast by all. One day, a group of seven appear before her
and convince her that she is a being known as a ‘Pretear’.
Princess Tutu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
13-year-old ballet student Ahiru is clumsy, good-hearted and
sweet... and she has a big secret: she is a duck. The mysterious
Drosselmayer morphed the young duck into a girl to give her a
mission: help the Prince get back the parts of his heart. To that
end, she transforms into Princess Tutu, whose magical dances
ease pain and purify bad feelings.
Kaname Madoka is an ordinary middle school girl who has always
wanted to help others and improve the world. When the magical
creature Kyubei appears before her and offers her the
opportunity to become a magical girl and fulfill her dreams, she
enters a magical world of fantasy and lifelong friendships.
35
Puni Puni Poemi
Revolutionary Girl Utena
10-year-old Poemi Watanabe dreams of being a famous voice
actress. Unfortunately, her school grades are bad and her voice
acting is even worse! But, when a mysterious alien kills her
parents and wreaks havoc all over Tokyo, Poemi skins a talking fish
into a wand and becomes the magical girl Puni Puni Poemi.
After the untimely death of her parents, Utena was comforted
by a handsome prince who gave her a rose-crested ring. So
impressed was she by his grace, handsome features, and princely
ways that she swore on her parents fresh graves to one day
become a prince as great as he.
Saber Marionette R
Sailor Moon
In a utopia without women, male society has fashioned the
perfect replacement: emotionless high performance androids
called marionettes that can handle any task from combat to
cooking. The peace of this world is threatened by Romarna, a
clone of the current ruler with a desire to rule all.
Thousands of years ago, an empire which spanned all of the Solar
System was destroyed by dark forces from the Negaverse. In a
final desperate act, the Queen sealed the attacking force away.
With the lunar kingdom in shambles, she sends her daughter and
her court into the future to live free from turmoil.
Smile Pretty Cure
Softenni
Once upon a time in Fairy Tale Land, characters from all manner
of fairy tales mingled together in peace and harmony. That is,
until the Evil Emperor Pierrot invaded the land and sealed away
its queen. His shadow of darkness cast across the once beautiful
land. The only force strong enough to contend with his dark
powers are five Precure warriors.
Soft Tennis is a competitive sport and the girls of the Hakuou
Middle School are aiming for the national championship. Along
the way, their journey will be full of love, rivalry, fervor, and
insanity. Can they overcome their lack of training and limited
resources in their quest for the championship?
36
Squid Girl!
Star Driver
Humanity’s needless pollution has gone on long enough and
the ocean’s defender has arrived to right these injustices! Using
her squidly powers, she is tasked with subjugating mankind as
punishment. But the world is large and there are many humans,
can Squid Girl conquer the world on her own?
On a remote island, a secret organization plans to reactivate
machines that have been sealed for ages. To unleash their full
power, the group must break the seals of four shrine maidens that
reside on the island. The protagonist vows to stop them in order
to protect a girl who saved his life and is one of the four maidens.
Upotte!!
Usagi Drop
Girls with gun... Scratch that, girls as guns! Genkoku, a newly hired
teacher, has just discovered that all his female students not only
have superb marksmanship but that they are in fact the
anthropomorphized representations of some of world most well
known assault rifles.
Returning home for his grandfather’s funeral, 30-year-old bachelor
Daikichi and his family are shocked to discover that the old man
had an illegitimate daughter with his housekeeper. As his family
argues over who should care for the young Rin and how it would
affect the image of the family, Daikichi offers to take care of her.
Wedding Peach
Jaded lady Raindevila has taken up the crusade against all forms
of romance and love, her only opposition is the Love Angels
who have sworn to thwart her and her plans. Will Raindevila be
able overcome her rival in the battle for the fate of love or will
happiness and peace reign forever?
37
CHARITY INFORMATION
The Calgary Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
was incorporated in 1922. At that time, the Society’s mandate
included the protection of children, homeless people as well as
animals.
Now, The Calgary Humane Society is the only organization
providing a service under the Animal Protection Act in Calgary.
The CHS provides care for surrendered, neglected, abandoned,
and abused animals.
As the years have gone by, Otafest has become more and more
aware and active in the charity community in recent years.
Whether raising money for breast cancer research or donating
to the Red Cross of Japan’s earthquake relief, we are striving to
contribute as much as wel can to aid those who have need, with
your help.
The first Shelter was built in 1960 with a capacity to handle 2,500
animals a year. By 1973, the Society was receiving over 8,000
animals a year and it became urgently necessary to construct a
new facility. The CHS opened a new animal care centre in 1976
approximately five times the size of the previous Shelter.
Through the purchase of VIP passes and charity auction
items, Maid Café patronage, or many other incentives, we as
a community have been racking up donations for local and
worldwide charities during Otafest and Otafest Lite.
In 1988 another campaign, Room to Live, raised enough funds
to expand and renovate the Shelter. Through the late 1990’s, the
CHS helped between 12,000 and 13,000 animals, a figure which
represents both stray and owners’ animals. More room was
needed to house cats and to accommodate a growing staff of
workers and volunteers.
We ask you to continue your contributions in our joined effort to
help the world around us improve. It is as simple as a donation,
from buying a contest ticket or a small tip to a donation jar of just
10 cents - every bit counts! Or, you could be part of the driving
force and volunteer, not only for Otafest but for a local charity in
your own community.
Last year, a series of terrible catastrophies struck Japan, as natural
disasters in the form of earthquakes and tsunamis destroyed
much of the land and infrastructure of northeast Japan. Damage
to the nuclear power plants on the coastlines have also caused
devastation to the health of the survivors in the immediate area.
While we were a physically safe distance away, across the Pacific
Ocean, their hardships were felt in our hearts. Together with the
Otafest community, we were able to raise over $10,000 with the
Red Cross Japan Society to help fund rescue and rehabilitation
efforts for those afflicted in the event.
In 2005, the Calgary Humane Society experienced more growth
with the “By Leaps and Bounds Capital Campaign” reaching its
target of $10 million ensuring that our wonderful, large and safe
facility could be constructed, paid for and opened in 2006.
The Calgary Humane Society continues to work for the animals
with the aim of preventing and suppressing cruelty.
For more information on how to help to the Calgary Humane
Society, visit www.calgaryhumane.ca
In return for your support, we were more than happy to dress up
our male volunteers as maids; in previous years to that, we have
had head-shaving events to raise money for breast cancer as well.
We are looking forward this year to continuing the tradition of
offering our staff as sacrificial lambs for charity’s sake!
38
MANITOBA’S LARGEST ANIME CONVENTION
July 20-22
2012
,
SHOWINGS
CNOTESSTPS,LGAUEYST,S,
CO
PANELMSO, R&
E!
MUCH
SPECIAL
GUESTS
BRINA PALENCIA
CHRISTOPHER SABAT
MONICA RIAL
TODD HABERKORN
GREG AYRES
www.ai-kon.org
WRITE YOUR OWN CHAPTER
40
THIS GUIDEBOOK IS PROPERTY OF:
41
OTAFEST 2012 TEAM
Chairperson:
Justin Lo
Internal Operations:
Binh Du
A/V Multimedia:
Paul Kiemele
Art and Graphics:
Allison Chan
Sonny Ngo
Policy Enforcement:
Dan Ritchie
Public Relations:
Jenny Chan
Special Events:
Stephanie Foran
Vendors Operations:
Nathan Hunt
Vicky Lau
Volunteer Coordinator:
Ayla Lo
Supporting Staff:
Dylan Almrude
Shane Barry
Gurpreet Dhaliwal
Jessica Ha
Robert Hepburn
Darren Lau
Stanley Liang
Suzanne Lien
Danny Lo
Behfar Lotfizadeh
Dustin Lui
Gareth Lypka
Mikael Managat
Andrew Quesnel
Kelly Sherwood
Rose Trinh
Jei Wong
Thank you to all of our wonderfully dedicated volunteers, whose energetic efforts make Otafest possible!
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SPECIAL THANKS
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