CoFesta Day1: Japan Showcase Content 2013, Opening Reception party

After twirling around TIFFCOM, we rushed back to the hotel for a change of clothes. The cosplayers were required to Cosplay for the event in the evening; the opening reception party for TIMM. 

Angie from Malaysia, myself from Singapore and Nikita from France ^_^

The party was held at the Zepp DiverCity! The place where the life size Gundam is *_*

And inside the venue, we met Negiman again! Here he is posing with one of the Cofesta Student ambassador from Singapore ^_^.

Apparently Xiaxue really hates leek so every time she saw Negiman, she’d be squealing while laughing and be stuck in this hilariously awkward (from my perception lah XD) position of trying to be polite towards Negiman while still holding onto her personal grudge towards the plant LOL

It was a nice privilege to be able to attend the TIMM reception party that is meant only for the important trade buyers. 

TIMM is an event aimed at promoting Japanese music in overseas markets. Over 40 Japanese organizations and companies will be present with exhibition booths, and they will be joined by over 70 invited buyers from around the world. The event also features live showcase performances by 20 Japanese artists. This is the 10th year of Tokyo International Music Market (10th TIMM) 

The TIMM reception party started with a formal speech from Ms. Midori Matsushima, Senior Vice Minister of METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). She explained the stand of METI regarding globalization , introduced the Cool Japan project and briefly mentioned the Cofesta ambassadors. 

All the guest of honours were then invited on stage to participate in the Kagami-biraki ceremony. 2 members of SKE48 were also invited to partake. 

Even Astro Boy wants to take part!

Kagami-biraki is a ceremony performed at celebratory events in which the lid of the sake barrel is broken open by a wooden mallet and the sake is served to everyone present. Kagami refers to the lid of the sake barrel and biraki means “to open” so kagami-biraki literally means “opening the lid.” Because of the lid's round shape, the kagami is a symbol of harmony. The kagami-biraki, therefore, represents an opening to harmony and good fortune.

Then the performances begun !! According to TIMMKT’s website schedule, the performers of the night were Idol Girls Group; Idol College, AOP, and Telepathy. 

Idol College.
Website: http://idolcollege.com

Sorry, for this slightly disappointing photograph of them. I took videos of their performances but we were not given permission to post it online so I had to screencap this from the video haha.

AOP (Anime Ouen Project).
website: http://ent.nikkeibp.co.jp/ent/AOP/

They were at singapore last weekend for the AFA SG 2013

Telepathy
Website: http://telepathy.asia

And then…surprise, surprise! The final mystery performers were… SKE48!

I haz front row seats (=w=) b, well technically I was standing but you get the point 8D.

They performed more than 3 songs so it was like, a smashing medley of more than 10 minutes xD I wish I can upload the videos but I can’t =___________=!!!!

 

The food served that night. Due to the timing of the launch party, you can really tell how hungry the attendees were. The good were gone very fast! I barely had the chance to nimble much… T_T

Okay, random stalker observation here. Is it just me or does Japan really have a lot of good looking people? And it seems like the service staffs in Japan are all generally pretty good looking! We spotted this very dashing waiter with anime-ish hair and dressed in smart vest and apron. I tried to take a video of him to show you guys but failed because he had his back against me most of the time but at least he turned around for a second long enough to screencap LOL xD 

And yes I know my battousai Cosplay is super fail. I screwed up the overlapping sides of my gi (again!) *palms*. I could never remember exactly which side goes where until this kind lady from NoLife TV (France) advised me. Just remember that for both genders, your right hand must be able to slip into the Gi to touch yourself xD. 

Nolife is a French TV network. It describes itself as the TV "for geeks, nerds and otakus". It mainly deals with videogames, Japanese culture, technology and various other topics. Its catchline is "Il n'y a pas que la vraie vie dans la vie" (There's not only real life in life).

After their performances, the idols came down to mingle with the guests. We weren't allowed to take photos with them but we were allowed to take photos of them! 

AOP was very cute and even recognised who Angie and me were cosplaying as xD 

Some of the other influencers on this trip. I honestly don’t think any of them needs introduction but from the top is Ashley Gosiengfiao and Alodia Gosiengfiao from Philippines, Xiaxue from SIngapore, Nikita from France, Angie from Malaysia and myself (uh –_-;) from Singapore. The one holding the camera here is Eva from Singapore too xD

Ending this post with a group photo with all the Student Ambassadors and us ^_^