This has been a week of firsts for
me. It was my
first time to ride an airplane! It
was my first time to visit a foreign country! And it was my first time to eat
peanuts from a small bag on an airplane!
This trip has been full of so much excitement I haven't been able to
keep track of everything, but I'll try to update you on my comings and goings.
Currently
I am in France at the enormous Japan themed mega-event known as Japan
Expo. People from across Europe,
and the world travel to Paris to visit the exhibition center about 30 minutes
outside the city. Once inside the
exposition center it is like entering a Japan fantasy land. The exposition center itself is
impressive. Booths from a range of
companies and artists are everywhere. Not to mention, our very own jibtv booth!
There are over 350 booths on display at the event. And over the course of the 5 days of the event 150,000 people are expected to attend. Sitting at the booth watching the crowd flow by it seems like a never ending river of people! I had no idea there were so may people interested in Japan in France. Many people visit the expo on more than one day because the amount on offer is simply to much to cover in a short period of time.
Japan Expo covers such a range of areas. Hundreds of famous mangas are represented. All kind of Video Games are represented on the Expo with the latest version again, some yet unknown on the European markets. One big hit on the Expo is the Music. Most European sites on Japanese music are French and for J-Music lovers here the list of performers includes Mosaic, Ra:IN, Vistlip, Zamza N'Banshee, Puffy, Asuka and more! Famous Japanese stores who represent Japanese fashion show off their catalogue of clothes. And young designers from France and all Europe bring are bringing their own interpretations.
But the most interesting clothes I've seen around here have been on the many cosplayers. French people are crazy about dressing up it seems! Everywhere I turn I see a character from a game, anime, manga or some persons wild imagination! I was starting to feel a little underdressed. Next year I'm definitely going to have to wear something more in the spirit of things.
