Participation of the Consulate in Otakuthon (August 3 to 5, 2018)
The convention Otakuthon, hosting many events related to Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, and video games, was held in Montreal from August 3 to 5. The Consulate General of Japan organized Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana), tea ceremony, traditional dance and “go” workshops, as well as screenings of the Japanese film “Thermae Romae”. The Japan National Tourism Office (JNTO) also held an information booth and conferences on tourism on Japan during the convention.
More than 23,000 visitors, many of whom came dressed as Japanese pop culture characters, crowded the venue for this year’s edition. The Masquerade, an amateur cosplay competition, allowed one dedicated participant to win the “Ambassador’s Award” for her outstanding costume and performance.
The Otakuthon Cultural Society, which organizes the convention every year with the support of its many volunteers, has been awarded a certificate of commendation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan for its contribution to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Canada. The award was presented by the Ambassador of Japan in Canada, H.E. Mr. Kimihiro Ishikane, during the Masquerade’s opening ceremony.
