Cosplay: MCP Coshow 2 & Foodtopia Season 5

Goh: Yeah, that's expected. So, another "twofer" this weekend?

Me: Yup, yesterday and today. That was the thing after Community Day yesterday and all day today.

Ash: And both of them with me in my Kalos outfit! ...I guess it's to make things easy for all of us.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Very easy!"]

Me: That would certainly be the point. 

Goh: And we're familiar with both of them because one was earlier this year...

Ash: ...and the other was last year!

Me: Good recall. For that, I also thought of combining both into a single discussion (and since Community Day was yesterday anyhow). So, let's start with the first one. 

Goh: That one was yesterday, I'll bet.

Ash: It was! At the same place, obviously.

Goh: With the same people?

Ash: Sure! But they did bring in a game community - not for us, but you get the drift.

Goh: But beyond that, the entertainment had to be practically the same.

Ash: Dance groups, singers, and games. I saw pretty much the main ones.

Pikachu: Pika pika pika... ["All still the same..."]

Goh: Well, I'm sure the character parade is also still the same, and you got into it.

Ash: No strings attached, so yeah. But I did try to make things different. I started with my cap and gloves off this time and put them on when it happened.

Goh: OK, yeah, that's different all right. Was it enough to get something?

Ash: Yeah! I got Favorite Male Character!

Me: Very nice! The effort can really work out sometimes.

Goh: That is great. And you had a good time at the place with your friends.

Ash: I did.

Me: Then that brings us to the second one, which was today and should be the same old food festival trying to bring in people.

Ash: Same place, same people, and all that. But I did come when there was a cheerleading competition before our stuff began.

Goh: So the festival brings in all kinds of organizers for different things.

Me: Goh is right. This seems to be the methodology for all kinds of festivals here for bringing in people.

Pikachu: Chu! Pika! [imitates cheering]

Goh: Can't blame them for trying. OK, so this time, did you try any of the food? I don't think we talked about that much in any of the past years. 

Ash: Well, back then it was only little bits of things, but this time I got to try quite a bit of things - enough for lunch and dinner. They always have a lot of things going on.

Goh: I would think. But then that also goes for our festival.

Ash: Just some dance groups this time, along with the character parade.

Me: Speaking of which... since you dealt with food, you didn't deal with that.

Ash: No - I thought it could be like three years ago when I came with the same outfit, so I spent the day eating and talking with your friends.

Me: Well, I think that's a good call. I'm sure the winners were "just that".

Ash: Um... yeah. "Just that."

Goh: After eating and talking with friends, then it was back to our friend.

Ash: Yup, just like that.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["All done after that."]

Me: So, after all that, the old saying is true again - the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Ash: But not completely! All your friends are (were) really different for each one.

Goh: I think both of you have your points.

Me: While I'm not sure what or where the next big one will be, there might just be some ways to make it different.

Ash: But Pokémon can always stay the same for us. 

Goh: That's a sure thing.

Me: Absolutely. It's a "go-to" for wherever we go to. You get my drift.

One year ago: Mega Evolution on Parade

Two years ago: On Half Decks and Full Decks

Three years ago: Spoiler Alert

Four years ago: Longing for Pokémon Donuts

Five years ago: The Fate of My Local Pokémon Hangouts

Six years ago: Competitor Ranks of the Silph League Arena

Seven years ago: Personal Branding

Eight years ago: To Judge and Be Judged

Nine years ago: Catering to Old and New Players

Cosplay: Cosplay Creator and Community Convention (C4) 2026

Me: Well, I think you two already gave it away - Goh by sense, Ash by happening.

Ash, Goh: C4!!

Ash: But this time it was on time, not like last year.

Me: Indeed. So on schedule that in fact it had to coincide with the Go Fest Max Finale.

Goh: Coincide...? So this was yesterday and two days ago, like it usually is?

Ash: Nope, just yesterday.

Goh: Huh. I wonder what happened.

Pikachu: Pika chu, pika pika? ["Me too, curious?"]

Me: Maybe they didn't want it to not work out just in case things happen, like last year. Or the organizers are "broke", in a manner of speaking.

Ash: Well, they still seemed to have everything just in one day - the booths, stages, and so on. It kind of looked like ChibiCon for one day.

Goh: Did it have a throng of people too?

Ash: Yeah. Right when I bought my ticket to go in and all day.

Goh: All day, minus the time you were at the Mega Finale meetup.

Ash: Yeah, that.

Goh: I'll bet you missed a few things.

Me: Well, I'm sure he'd miss any semblance of a character competition.

Ash: I know that would happen. 

Pikachu: Pika... ["Well..."]

Me: And maybe he'd miss certain acts on stage... like a certain band.

Ash: Aw man! I saw their name on the stage bumper but didn't see them while I was there, before and after.

Goh: Well, maybe you'll see them sometime else.

Ash: Sure - whenever that'll be. 

Me: Oh, I've just realized: I sent you with your Kalos outfit again like last year, but you didn't deal with anything related to characters.

Ash: It was mostly for the Mega Finale, which is from Kalos, right?

Me: Right you are. I was mostly thinking about that.

Goh: I guess you can think of this year like an extension of last year instead of a new experience.

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Makes sense."]

Ash: Well, that's true.

Me: But you did get to meet my friends as usual, right?

Ash: Yup - the ones near and far. I spent the morning with one.

Goh: And then you got involved in the communities.

Ash: A bit with the tile game one this time. Oh, and I just browsed through all the merchandise and didn't get anything in particular.

Me: That's OK. You didn't have to this time - maybe at a future convention, either this one or something else.

Ash: Hey, but the future looks good for this one.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["Looks real good."]

Goh: As long as it doesn't hit a snag - or our friend runs into a snag with a Pokémon thing.

Me: Well, that. But life goes on.

Ash: Gotta get next year going, then.

Goh: And don't you have other things to get going too?

Me: That's very true - for Pokémon and else, for conventions and else. 

One year ago: Cosplay: Dalbo Fest Fifth Anniversary

Two years ago: Cosplay: Small Business Showcase

Three years ago: Paldea in Pokémon Go: Catching Up, Skipping Out

Four years ago: Rising to the Occasion: Theia Sky Ruins

Five years ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: More Selections

Six years ago: The Charisma of Pokémon Personalities

Seven years ago: TCG, Order and Chaos

Eight years ago: Artistic Routine

Nine years ago: Pokémon Song, Indonesian Flavor

Cosplay: 60 Seconds to Tokyo 2026

Me: Well, I can't be at (or send you to) PokémonXP and/or Worlds, but I can send you to a festival instead. 

Ash: And there's one today!

Me: Right. It's a little far away, but I think it satisfies the travel need.

Goh: And it's got an interesting name too. It almost seems unreal.

Ash: Don't you think? Not unless you use...

Goh: The Psychic Teleport! But even then that's also limited - I think.

Pikachu: Chu pika? ["Maybe?"]

Me: Well, that's a reasoning. Anyway, I wanted to send Ash today at the behest of one of my friends...

Ash: ...who runs (ran) the whole thing!

Goh: Really?

Ash: We talked about it off and on while I was there. But maybe we can save that for later.

Goh: For starters, how did you get there?

Ash: With a couple of our friend's other friends - we met along the way.

Goh: That's pretty nice!

Me: I'll bet that saved a load of effort.

Ash: It did - and on the way back too.

Goh: So, what about the festival, then?

Ash: It was in a hotel! Not where you'd usually find a festival.

Pikachu: Pi pi pika! ["Luxurious!"]

Goh: Ooh!

Me: Well, sometimes you find conventions at a hotel. I've been to ones myself that are such. But that's a different matter.

Ash: Would that be in a big room, just like this one?

Me: Yes! That's all I can say, though.

Goh: If it's a festival, were there communities and food?

Ash: Just one community - Bocchi Noizu - and three food stands. One of them has the exact same name as the festival.

Goh: Oh, your friend must have asked them to come.

Me: I'm sure he did. Oh, yes: I heard from some of my other friends that a hotel in my town also wants something going on as the same name of this festival, but I don't think it's a festival. And they canceled it.

Ash: I'm sure the hotels are all together! I saw a poster for that with lots of hotel names.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["A good deal."]

Me: I would think so too.

Goh: OK, and I'm sure there had to be competitions.

Ash: A character parade, and a photography one. I got in the first... but your friend wanted me in the second one too. So I came up with something for that with the food they sold.

Me: I saw that. It's exactly what I would make for that myself. It's also an excuse to eat.

Ash: Haha, yeah!

Goh: And then for the character parade, you had your world outfit. ( I wish I was there.)

Ash: Yeah. Our friend told me to "recycle" it from last week. So I "recycled" what I did there too.

Goh: And how'd everything work out?

Ash: Didn't get anything for both - but I did get a certificate from your friend.

Me: That was one of the points my friend sold me on, so there you go.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Pretty nice."]

Ash: Oh yeah! I also got in a minigame, and I got a little something - by answering Pokémon questions! They were all about Trainers and their Pokémon.

Me: Well, that would be another point... anyhow, that's pretty good.

Goh: So... entertainment - I'd guess song and dance.

Ash: You're right. There were a couple of dance groups and a bit of singing too.

Goh: Pretty standard.

Ash: I even filled in with "Mezase Pokémon Master" - but I got distracted a bit in the middle...

Me: Huh. Don't worry about it. At least it's not competitive.

Ash: Yeah, I guess you're right.

Goh: So I guess we can call this one a success - what do you think?

Me: I think you're quite right. Hey, maybe that local hotel of mine might just get things rolling.

Pikachu: Chu pika chu! ["Marvelous!"]

Me: Even so, did you tell my friend that it might not be so easy for him to do it all on his own?

Ash: I did. That was part of our talk after the festival.

Goh: Maybe there's something odd about it?

Ash: Um... I hate to say this, but I saw "The Forbidden One" wandering about the festival.

Goh: Wait, so he might have been involved?

Ash: From what I got, he might have put money into it and tried to control it.

Me: Uh-huh. See, that's the kind of threat that my friend might face. Now I think I might know why the local happening got axed.

Ash: Your other friends also stepped in and tried to help a bit - which I think did the trick.

Me: Well, I hope that whatever comes next will be free of his "influence".

Pikachu: Chu... ["Hmm..."]

Me: In the meantime, in the spirit of the festival's title, perhaps 60 seconds might be all you need to think you're somewhere.

Ash: I think that was all in a song there! You just have to close your eyes.

Goh: And then, our friend might just get to Tokyo or anywhere else in the world.

Me: Perhaps for the next World Championships, you and I can be there in person instead of just in spirit.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/30/2025

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2024

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2023

Four years ago: Delving Further into (Enjoying) PokéToon

Five years ago: Raids on Different Platforms

Six years ago: Competitive Stage Progress

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2019

Eight years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/30/2018

Nine years ago: Stories That You Don't Know

Cosplay: "Independence Cosplay"

Ash and Goh have gone back out into the world. But there's a little something going on today, and I still need someone to fill that in. So...

Me: For the first time ever, please welcome Roy.

Roy: Hi!

Me: You, of course, are the "flame child" that I referred to in my previous post, and I've grown to identify with you in some ways.

Roy: Thank you! I'm honored.

Me: Which is why now I'd like to take the privilege to send you to a happening in my world [OOC: cosplay as you] as the first Pokémon character not tied to my previous ones [Ash or his basis].

Roy: Sure! But... isn't today a day where you might need to be doing something else?

Me: Don't worry, today's an off day, which is why it can happen for me and my friends.

Roy: I can see that. I went to the mall that you told me to go to for it, and I met some of them right away. And one of them helped me get set up!

Me: See? And I'm glad you got the help. I was thinking someone might have to do that.

Roy: Oh, and you sent me along with Fuecoco, my first partner. That's very nice.

Fuecoco: Fuecoco! ["Greetings!"]

Roy: OK, so this festival - I guess you could call it that - has... "independence" in it? What's the deal?

Me: Well, last week there were celebrations for that, so this one can be considered a delayed version of that.

Roy: Oh, yeah - I gotcha. People set up shops too, some goodies, some food...

Me: Sure, even if it's a little one in a mall.

Roy: And then more of your friends came. And we talked off and on...

Me: It's a good time. Speaking of good times, the festival also has some entertainment. How'd that go for you?

Roy: I like the singers! The dancing was OK too. And there were games!

Me: Oh, they're probably like the games for last week's common celebration.

Roy: Yeah, they look interesting, but maybe I'm not cut out for them.

Me: I'm not sure either. But for characters, there should be something for them to express themselves.

Roy: It's... a little competition!

Fuecoco: Fueco! ["Neat!"]

Me: It's a little something I call a "character parade" [OOC: cosplay walk] where you also show off what you can do briefly.

Roy: You'd like me in it, wouldn't you?

Me: Of course, even though it's your first time out.

Roy: OK, I can do that with Fuecoco. It could be like the first time we met.

Me: That could work. Others might have something similar.

Roy: Yeah, that's the vibe I got from them.

Me: Well, all right. So you ate (for me), took in the sights, and participated in the character parade. How'd that last one go?

Roy: I got nothing. But the others that got something were great too.

Me: Yeah, that happens. So no "rookie miracle" this time around.

Roy: It was fun, though, on stage!

Fuecoco: Fueco fueco. ["Pretty nice."]

Me: So, after all that, how do you feel about me sending you?

Roy: That's great! It's a different experience from my journey.

Me: I thought so. And you could see a bit of my world.

Roy: And I could help you out with other Pokémon things too.

Me: That's a real possibility. Now, I currently don't have a future plan yet for you, and I might want to change up a couple of things to make it better for you.

Roy: That's fine with me! Take your time to make it the best.

Me: With that, you can go back to your journey, and I can go back to mine.

Roy: OK! I'll see you whenever I see you.

Me: Got it. And I'll see you then.

As I say, this is not "moving on", but "embracing the future". It's an "independence" in and of itself, which seems to be appropriate.

One year ago: Cook and Collect, Wherefore Art Thou?

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Temples in Our Lives

Three years ago: My "Project Mew" (Or, Why I'm Not Cut Out for It)

Four years ago: More Strides for the Daily Adventure Incense

Five years ago: The Magical Wonder of PokéToon

Six years ago: The Principle of Life

Seven years ago: Expecting the Cards

Eight years ago: PokéMusicians

Nine years ago: Wallpaper: Ash XY Tribute Style

Cosplay: Wibufest Cosplay Competition Vol. 9.3

Ash: Hey, they're busy again.

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Again?"]

Me: Yup, this one's about them again.

Goh: I can see that. Um... "Vol 9.3"?

Me: I think they wanted to indicate that they've been around and about. But this one is local to my area.

Ash: Just like last time.

Goh: So, I guess that would apply to the place, the competitions, and the rest.

Ash: Yeah! I thought they wouldn't have a singing competition again, but they did.

Me: Oh, huh. I don't have anything fresh in my mind for you... so, will "Chiisaki Mono" again be fine with your world outfit?

Ash: OK. I guess that will make up for last time.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika. ["Again, I guess."]

Ash: But I did make it different. I went full Japanese this time.

Goh: Nice. Not your usual mixture self.

Me: Well, I guess it would be nice sometimes. What else is different, other than your outfit?

Ash: The communities were also different. A little bit.

Goh: There's got to be something different for the competitions.

Ash: Some of our usually in-character friends tried the singing competition. A few were OK.

Goh: OK, and then for the character competitions...

Ash: They made the registration simple this time. I went for both.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Simple!"]

Me: That just leaves how you did in all of them.

Ash: I got nothing.

Goh: Not even for singing?

Ash: Only two winners for that one - and they're both girls, the only two in it.

Goh: That sounds a little fishy.

Ash: How about a lot? I saw... uh... "The Forbidden One", to borrow what some of your outside friends say.

Me: Oh no. The person is still trying. How'd you know it was him?

Ash: Your other friends confirmed it. And we did address each other.

Goh: A little like that time.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Oh dear..."]

Ash: He might have been in it even before. All the winners had to sign something this time like last time, and I don't think they all got their prizes.

Goh: That's the "something they dealt with"!

Ash: Yeah, that.

Me: [sigh] I guess we'll need to mark this one as a red flag for now.

Goh: And I hope they can resolve things pretty soon. Otherwise they'll be "very busy".

Me: Maybe not in a good way. Anyhow, thanks to you two for helping to make this busy weekend more bearable. You can go back on your outing.

Ash, Goh: Sure!

Me: And I've got other business to attend to... literally.

One year ago: One Last Dance, with Darkness...

Two years ago: "Spending Better" vs. "Better to Spend"

Three years ago: Quickies: "Toward the Light" with Pokémon

Four years ago: The Dream Archivist/Historian

Five years ago: Survival Mode in Pokémon Shuffle

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Datamining Moments

Seven years ago: It's Gonna Be...

Eight years ago: A Mascot Reinterpretation

Nine years ago: Local Hangouts and Pokémon

Cosplay: Sportainment at "Wonderful Festival"

Me: Well, the next few days seem like it's going to be a busy stretch of sending characters, so with that, I'm going to need your help after all.

Ash: No prob! Good thing we're still here. And I'll put in my world outfit just like at Community Day.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["That's right!"] 

Goh: And while I may or may not be sent, I can still offer my views.

Me: Sure. Anyway, this one happens locally in the town where I live.

Goh: OK, so it's sports, entertainment, and a festival. I think I see culture too.

Ash: I saw that, actually. It was at the local stadium, and I read up on how it got built.

Goh: Very interesting. I'd love to know how that came about.

Me: I can fill you in later. So, apparently this is a celebration for the wonderful things about where I live.

Ash: And they want characters - us - to make it lively!

Goh: Sounds familiar to all of us.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Uncanny..."] 

Ash: Well, yeah. The people holding the character part were the ones usually from the mall rooftop.

Goh: There you go.

Me: You didn't have to pay to get in, did you?

Ash: Luckily, no. The sport entertainment thing is on a stage outside, not inside with the concert.

Goh: I seem to remember a concert and character going on... wait, this one. It wasn't that, was it?

Me: No, this is different.

Ash: Yeah! It's way different than that.

Me: And I know there's a character parade. Did you get in?

Ash: I did! I thought I'd have to pay for that, but it was totally free.

Pikachu: Chu pika. ["Fortunately."] 

Goh: How about actual entertainment - for us?

Ash: Just dance groups and the final for a game we don't play.

Me: Mm-hmm. Did you actually see the festival, though?

Ash: I did stop by, but I didn't get anything from there.

Goh: Well, I guess we might have reasons for that.

Me: By the way, how did the actual character parade go? I heard there was a different system for that.

Ash: Oh, there was the usual stage perform, but we also went out to get "likes" or votes from other people.

Goh: Wait, also like that one time at the mall!

Ash: By the same people!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu? ["Coincidence?"] 

Goh: OK, so...

Ash: Yeah, the stage perform was OK, but I forgot that I needed to stay on stage for a bit.

Goh: Oof.

Ash: Yeah. And the voting was fine. I got 12 from people.

Me: That doesn't sound like much.

Ash: But it got me... THIRD IN VOTING!!

Goh: Wow!!

Me: Hey, and just like that time too.

Ash: Yeah! I thought it wouldn't work out, but it did.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["It works!"] 

Me: It worked out nicely for us.

Ash: And many of your friends. They also came here with their communities.

Goh: That works out for sport-entertainment.

Ash: But... I peeked inside the stadium and it was mostly empty. And I guess the main festival part wasn't too popular either.

Me: I'm hearing reports that there were controversies the day before, when there weren't characters.

Goh: The day before? You mean this is a multi-day festival?

Me: Yes - it's from Friday to Sunday (tomorrow). But characters are only relevant today.

Goh: Like Ash said, it's to make things popular.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika... ["To make it work..."] 

Me: Well, I think they at least recovered and kept us and characters busy.

Ash: I hope they can make it more wonderful next time.

Goh: Sure enough. Speaking of busy things... what else is in store for us?

Me: Well, that comes tomorrow. But at least today really was busy in other ways.

One year ago: Narrowing Down Pokémon Types

Two years ago: Remembering Past and Present Sponsored Locations

Three years ago: Holowear of Interest, Revisited

Four years ago: The Summer Cup of GBL

Five years ago: My Personal TCG Equipment Wishlist

Six years ago: On the Mining of Data

Seven years ago: Mementos of...

Eight years ago: Cosplay Events, Wherefore Art Thou?

Nine years ago: Connection Issues?

Cosplay: SB Urban Fest 3

Ash (and Goh) are still away. But Red is still here. In fact...

Red: Hey, this festival is quite a long ways away from you. I haven't been to one of these in years.

Me: I know. But I thought we might give this one a shot since I have no commitments today.

Red: OK, I got you. So this is the third - where's the second and the first?

Me: I didn't send Ash to the second, but I did to the first.

Red: Ah, gotcha. But unlike Ash that time, you're sending me for the full day today.

 

Me: Like I said, no commitments. Well, except for this one.

 

Red: Looks like everyone had to commit to the heat in the city square. It was kind of hot.

 

Me: Sorry about that. It does get hot in that place this time of year.

 

Red: But it's pretty good the festival started later in the afternoon.

 

Me: I'd have to agree. How did you feel about the entertainment?

 

Red: Hmm, a couple of dance groups and a guitar and violin duo. I like that last one more than the other.

 

Me: I do too. Just in case you're wondering, the entertainment might not seem like much, but...

 

Red: The people seem to like it - including the ones who appear to organize it.

 

Me: Yes - the latter is kind of unique, but you don't need to hear about that too much.

 

Red: But I'm sure you want to hear about the character parade.

 

Me: Of course. That's one of the things I wanted you to set us up for.

 

Red: Well, I tried to do a little thing with Pikachu and Charmander just like a few months ago.

 

Me: But I guess it didn't work - for a win, that is.

 

Red: Nah. The other characters were really good. But there was a bald one, and he was, um...

 

Me: Hold on - I'm reading reports of a controversy involving this guy with another one.

 

Red: I didn't feel all that great with him too. Very demanding.

 

Me: Let's not address it too much, then. Other than that, I'm sure the festival was great.

 

Red: There was good food and many good people - yeah, except that one - and the urban theme fits well enough.

 

Me: After the third time, it may be a charm for a lot of things. Mostly, I guess.

 

Red: Don't forget us and Pokémon.

 

Me: Sure enough.

One year ago: Tournament: Local Gym Battle, 8/1/2025

Two years ago: Eagerly Expected Pokémon Things

Three years ago: Holding Back: Pokémon Presents, 8/8/2023

Four years ago: Transitioning from Shuffle to Café Remix

Five years ago: Trainer Green and Ash XY Pikachu Figures

Six years ago: Into the Myst

Seven years ago: Raid Stories

Eight years ago: Evolution Is a Change

Nine years ago: Historical Pokémon

Cosplay: Halloweeaboo Vol. 6 - Natsukoi

So, it is to my knowledge that Ash and Goh won't be present too often this month for um... reasons - including research. Today, then, there is...

Red: Hello. Those two are something.

Me: Yeah, you can say that. Anyway...

Red: You want me at a festival today. Sure thing.

Me: Yes, it's one that sometimes Ash could make it to.

Red: Well, that's great. For that, let me try a little something for you along with my classic outfit.

Me: Oh, you got the hair done a bit! Perfect.

Red: It took a bit of time to get to the place where you'd usually have that, but it's OK. 

Me: And it's somewhat needed too. 

Red: So then, the festival is at the rooftop level of a mall. 

Me: Yup, it's back to the usual place after it went somewhere else.

Red: Hmm, that one had a singing competition. This one didn't.

Me: I heard about that - but then, I don't think I can get you to sing anything.

Red: No, save that for when Ash comes back.

Me: But there are character competitions - team performance and single parade.

Red: I'll take the latter for you, then. Especially since I gussied up for you.

Me: Sure. I couldn't plan out a team performance anyway even if I wanted to.

Red: And it looks like this festival always has a lot of people - and characters.

Me: You better believe it.

Red: Including in the parade, 40 with me. 

Me: And how'd that turn out?

Red: Didn't work out for me. The winners were great, though.

Me: Yeah, that seems to be the case, with or without you.

Red: And I got to see a bit of the performances. They were... interesting.

Me: I'll bet. Oh, by the way, dance groups for entertainment, yes?

Red: Yup, saw a couple. And a dance party near the end.

Me: Uh-huh, so standard for current times. Now, what else did you do?

Red: I got to hang out with a few of your friends and have fun - and eat, up until the end before I got back to you.

Me: Haha - well, that's always a necessity when I send you or him.

Red: Hey, and you got me to go somewhere again.

Me: So, I got to fulfill that commitment.

Red: The festival scene here is lively, even if it has really changed.

Me: It has, and this festival is one of those changes. As an aside, this edition has the theme of "summer love".

Red: I don't know about love - even though we like Pokémon - but this was a good "summer" day for a festival.

Me: Yup, I do believe it is.

Red: So, where to next?

Me: I have an idea - but wherever it is, there certainly will be some "hello" greetings involved.

Red: Like here! Nice one.

Me: Of course.

One year ago: TCGP: Looking for Sky-High and Deep-Sea Wisdom

Two years ago: The Red and Blue Duality and Pokémon

Three years ago: All My Best Pokémon Friends Are...

Four years ago: (This Is) Just the Start

Five years ago: Heuristic vs. Methodical Trainers

Six years ago: Let There Be No Lies

Seven years ago: Topic Balancing, Again

Eight years ago: The Music of Magikarp Jump

Nine years ago: Pokémon Is Everything

Cosplay: Japaniversal 2026

Me: Remember last month when I tried to send Ash to a festival and it didn't happen, so he went to Community Day instead?

Goh: Oh. This must be it.

Me: Indeed. So, this is the one that got delayed a month. But that's also a good thing, because...

Goh: No Pokémon happening today?

Me: Nope.

Ash: All right! I can be at the festival all day!

Pikachu: Pika chu, pika! ["That's very nice!"]

Ash: So, um... I've never been here before.

Me: That's right. This one has been going on for many years, but it never worked out for us for one reason or another (including a month ago) - but now we can get to it.

Goh: Who's holding the festival?

Ash: Another place of study, much like one of our friend's.

Goh: OK, that's pretty interesting. But how was it like actually today?

Ash: They had all the stands and booths out on a big parking lot. Last time there was construction outside and a little inside, so that's why they delayed it.

Goh: I see. But won't it get hot outside?

Ash: Actually... It did, huh.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu... ["Really hot..."]

Ash: Luckily there was shade in the nearby building.

Goh: Luckily. I'd love to know how many stands there were.

Ash: Not a lot. Just a few food stands and booths for goodies.

Goh: Hmm. It doesn't sound too big to me.

Me: I have a suspicion about this, but let's continue on. As for competitions...

Ash: Hey, there's a singing one! I'm sure you want me in that.

Me: Sure! And you happen to be with your Hoenn outfit, so...

Ash: "Chiisaki Mono" it is!

Goh: Would you look at that - a chance for "redemption".

Ash: Yeah. And our friend is much better now, so we can really do it this time.

Pikachu: Chu pika! ["All right!"]

Goh: I guess we'll deal with how you did first.

Ash: I did fine. Maybe I messed up slightly? But I didn't forget anything - mostly.

Me: Well, that's OK. How many others were there?

Ash: Nine others, with three prizes.

Goh: A pretty good chance...

Ash: ...but I didn't get any of them.

Me: Huh. Well, there's always next time.

Goh: By the way, was there a character competition? Usually a festival like this would have one.

Ash: There was! A parade. But I saw only four get in, and they all looked really good, and it costs double to get in...

Me: So you probably wouldn't win, and it's more effort on my part.

Goh: Oh, OK. Good thing you tried to put your Eggs in one basket.

Pikachu: Pika, chu pika... ["Yes, a lucky break..."]

Me: The rest of the day must have had some entertainment.

Ash: Yeah, a couple of dance groups and a band, plus a dance-off.

Goh: That's still not much. So... how big is this festival really?

Ash: Well, the parking lot was big, but not a lot of people came.

Goh: Maybe our friend knows something?

Me: I heard that there were two other local festivals in the vicinity, both of which also have either singing or character competitions - at the same time as this one.

Ash: I heard that too! From your friends at the festival.

Goh: Well, I think we have the answer then. Those two "stole" visitors from this one.

Me: Yeah, I think you're spot on, Goh. It doesn't help that this is the one that got rescheduled and "ran into them".

Pikachu: Pika pika chu? ["Could be different?"]

Ash: I guess I probably would have ended up in either of them too if this wasn't around.

Me: That would likely be the case.

Ash: But I think the students did a good job after all that's happened.

Goh: Maybe you'd like to go again next year?

Ash: Sure! If our friend can make it happen.

Me: Like today, if it happens to be a "free" day, then I'll surely give it a shot for you.

Goh: That could be interesting.

Ash: Right!

Me: At that point, the festival might just stand up to its "universal" name. 

One year ago: The Electrode Volleyball in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Pokémon Center Merchandise Odds and Ends

Three years ago: NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Special Episode #1 - AsiA Cosplay Competition Single Performance

Four years ago: NADWPKMN - The Video Series: Episode #4 - In Character Spirit

Five years ago: Other Uses of the Pokémon TCG

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2020, Day 1

Seven years ago: Pokémon for Print Projects

Eight years ago: World of Pokémon... Media

Nine years ago: Videophones and Pokémon, Then and Now

Cosplay: Wibufest Cosplay Competition

Me: Now here's something to liven up this weekend... I hope.

Goh: Well, it's a character [OOC: cosplay] thing. So of course you're sending Ash.

Ash: I'm on it!

Goh: And it's a competition too, obviously. You will be putting Ash in that, right?

Me: Actually, it's not just characters. There's a singing one too.

Ash: Sure, why not.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Good thing."]

Goh: And what do you want Ash to sing?

Me: Well, since it seems no-holds-barred... let's go with "Chiisaki Mono".

Ash: Ah! Well, I'll put on my Hoenn outfit, then.

Me: You got it.

Goh: So, what's the place like?

Ash: It's a cafe! But they set it up like a festival on the second floor.

Goh: Very neat. And of course everything happened there.

Ash: Yeah! But, uh... I think our friend still has a bit of a "tired" problem.

Me: I'm really sorry. I thought I'd overcome it by now. I hope you did all that you can.

Ash: I did. It might sound a little off, but it's still true to the song.

Pikachu: Pika chu... ["Pity..."]

Goh: You did try to resolve it yourself, did you?

Me: I did all I can myself. [sigh] Well, if you want, you can take part in the character competition.

Ash: I got into the character parade... I think. I was given a number for that.

Goh: Was there something else?

Ash: There seems to be a "street competition".

Me: Oh, but you had to sign up regardless. Hmm.

Goh: Huh. And I guess the parade happened way later on.

Ash: Early evening! But...

Me: What now?

Ash: I almost didn't get called! But then a friend of our friend saved us.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu? ["How'd that happen?"]

Goh: Maybe they put you on the "street competition" and gave the wrong label?

Me: That's possible - even intentionally.

Goh: Seeing that there are two competitions, anything is possible.

Ash: Yeah, even for the singing one. 

Goh: How'd you do with that?

Ash: No go. Only three winners and there were some real good ones in the 18 who were in it. 

Me: So we may never have had a chance. Although I'm still frustrated that things turned out the way they did for me.

Goh: I'm sure you'll want to make it up.

Me: Absolutely.

Ash: Maybe the place was frustrated as well? The power kept going out.

Pikachu: Pika... pika chu! ["It just went... zap!"]

Goh: Oh. That too is frustrating.

Ash: And the winners of all competitions had to deal with other things too?

Me: OK, so maybe it's not so bad not winning. I guess we're all dodging bullets (and seeds) here.

Ash: I'd say we all need to get things going.

 

Me: True that. I hope that'll be the case for whatever's next time.

Goh: There's always one. 

Me: There always is.

One year ago: On the Live Service Aspect of Pokémon Games

Two years ago: Of Leeks, Ducks, and Horses

Three years ago: Remaking My Pokémon Papercraft Models?

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 3

Five years ago: What It Takes To Jump-Start Pokémon Go Trainers

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 7/19/2020

Seven years ago: The First Johto Saga English Opening Theme

Eight years ago: Fast Moves and Charged Moves

Nine years ago: Movie Times

Cosplay: MCP Coshow

Me: OK, Go Fest is a wrap (for now), so it's time to deal with something we skipped over.

Goh: Well, it was a character thing, of course. Like this and this?

Me: Yeah.

Ash: It's neat that it happened after Go Fest... or I think that made its way a bit into this one.

Goh: Looking at the schedule, I'd say that's true.

Ash: But I got there just after things really got going, so I didn't miss much.

Pikachu: Pika pika. ["Good thing."]

Goh: OK... and I'm sure Bocchi Noizu was involved somehow.

Ash: Yeah! They brought their usual games, and some people won big prizes. They say it never happened before.

Goh: Well, that's the big difference, isn't it? Just like Mewtwo for Go Fest.

Me: I'm sure it is. 

Ash: I think we got it.

Goh: Then there must have been the usual entertainment if they're involved.

Ash: You bet! A singer, a dancer, and a dance group.

Pikachu: Pika... pika pika. ["Yeah... the usual."]

Goh: And then there was you, and other characters. A character parade, right? 

Ash: Right! Our friend sent me with the Kanto-Johto outfit.

Me: Obviously because of the Go Fest thing.

Goh: Makes sense. But you know, people see you quite often with it, in it. Don't you think you ought to have made it different?

Ash: I did! That's what a character friend of us tells me to do.

Me: And how'd that happen?

Ash: I Mega Evolved Mewtwo into its X form in front of everyone! 

Goh: Wow!!

Pikachu: Pika chu!! ["Awesome!!"]

Me: And I know you did great with that, because you got...

Ash: Bocchi Noizu favorite! 

Goh: That's pretty nice. 

Ash: But it was a little tiring too. I think our friend...

Me: Um, well... [clears throat] 

Goh: [to Me] Maybe you could try to take it a little easier?

Me: Let me see what I can do. [to all] Anyway, this was a show and a half.

Ash: It was really a show! But... a half?

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Really?"]

Me: Well, I think I might need to find another one-half somewhere else.

Goh: Like I just said.

Ash: And don't stress yourself out.

Me: I won't. (Although, sometimes Pokémon things can be that way...)

One year ago: Respect for James Carter Cathcart... in Memoriam

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2024 (Global), Day 1

Three years ago: The Pokérus and Its Importance

Four years ago: Good Pokémon Cosplay Relationships

Five years ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights - Sheet Music Boss Edition

Six years ago: Giving the Gift of Pokémon GIFs

Seven years ago: I'm a... Bounty Hunter?

Eight years ago: Losing and Finding Links

Nine years ago: Strategy Guides and My Pokémon Experience

Cosplay: ChibiCon X & ICC

Me: Well, I said it's a "fine day", isn't it? Even today?

Ash: All in ChibiCon!!

Goh: Looks like it's two "fine days", if you ask me - yesterday and today as usual?

Me: Well, sure, and you're right. And this would be the tenth edition, at least according to Japan Culture Daisuki - somehow I lost count myself.

Pikachu: Pika, pika, pika... [counting]

Me: But does it matter. Anyhow, I think this is pretty much the same old, same old convention, so we don't have to touch on the actual convention details too much. Well, maybe aside from what's different this time.

Goh: Aside from not sending Ash yesterday.

Me: Well, Mega Skarmory is a priority, no matter how close or far away. So I took care of that myself yesterday and saved a bit of effort and cash. As for today...

Ash: They made the music stage a part of the traffic flow! And there were a lot more booths - or that's what it felt like.

Me: OK, what else?

Goh: Hi again!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["There he is!"]

Ash: Goh is here! From the beginning too. But I was sent with my Sinnoh outfit...

Goh: I think it looks great.

Ash: Well, you know, so does my friend's girl fan, and - she's here too! 

Goh: Hey, thanks for showing her to me. You know, the one who sent me has a lot in common with her.

Ash: I think we're finding out about that now with all our friends!

Goh: Including... the brother of the one who sent me, who deals with the public transport booth.

Me: Hey now, this sounds like it's going to be a Pokémon adventure at the convention - so let's focus on that instead of the convention itself.

Ash: Yeah! So before I got in, I met one of your Pokémon friends who likes dance groups and stuff. Then after I got in, I met another one who used to play with you and makes drawings and comics.

Goh: I saw that too. Your girl fan really liked the stickers. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["That she does."]

Ash: I do too. Our friend said he wanted a comic book of his, so I got it.

Me: Thanks! This is an excellent setup for that. I may never know when I'll meet him again.

Ash: Many of the other booths had really nice Pokémon stuff too... but I'm sure our friend isn't going for that right now.

Me: Yeah - I'm still in a kind of a pinch even though I could get some more. So now is not really the time.

Ash: Oh, um, but I missed the ICC thing. It was today, wasn't it.

Well, you're with us today. Don't worry about it.

Me: Like Goh said. So, what else happened on this Pokémon adventure?

Ash: We toured for all kinds of Pokémon things, even up until your girl fan and Goh had to go back.

Goh: I'll join you back for the summary after that.

Ash: Sure! We'll talk again in a bit.

Me: That Goh is really something, isn't he?

Ash: And so's the person who sent him - it's kind of, well...

Pikachu: Pika pika... ["It's more than him..."]

Me: Oh, I gotcha. It's a thing about being spiritually "above and beyond", isn't it?

Ash: Um... yeah!

Me: I'll say. 

Ash: Besides Goh, I also met Rei and Akari from Hisui! And... there was another one of me in my Kanto and Johto outfit!

Me: Wow!! A whole lot more characters from Pokémon today.

Ash: I thought we saw James too - but we couldn't check or find him again. And there was also a plain Trainer - I guess, in a way. 

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["I can vouch!"]

Goh: I'm back! I just heard that bit about other characters too. That had to be quite fun.

Me: You know, this was the most Pokémon-filled one of any festival or convention I've sent Ash to so far. It blew the others out of the water.

Ash: Everyone went "all in", like the ditty.

Goh: That is it.

Me: If this is the way it's going to go down for ChibiCon in the future... then sure, "all in" with Pokémon it is, just like today.

Ash: Yeah!

Me: It's always a fine time if Pokémon is going to be involved - and that will so be the case. 

One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2025 (Global), Day 1

Two years ago: Freedom, On the Same Line

Three years ago: Café Remix 3rd Anniversary: New Heights

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies, Round 2

Five years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Going to the Far Side

Six years ago: A Virtual Figure Gathering

Seven years ago: The Path of (the) Silph

Eight years ago: Go Gets Social

Nine years ago: LINE Pokémon Themes

Cosplay: "Saturday's Remnants" & Asobi Stage

Me: OK, now we can talk about yesterday (or what was left of it) and something else for today.

Goh: Well. It's a happening weekend - except for what went on yesterday.

Ash: Yeah, you can say that.

Goh: So, what did happen yesterday?

Ash: I got to a place where a festival was supposed to happen, but it was empty.

Me: And then I found out it got delayed to next month because the place was not ready. You saw it, didn't you?

Ash: A little, I guess. 

Pikachu: Pi pika pika... ["I saw that too..."]

Ash: After that I just went for Community Day like you usually do.

Goh: OK, so that's that. Maybe you two will try to go to it when it happens then?

Me: We'll see. And I might try to do something about it.

Ash: I hope it can happen too. 

Me: Right. One more thing: I thought I'd get in this one instead of a local festival in my area, but it evidently blew up in our faces.

Goh: Maybe Community Day was the answer.

Ash: At the same time, if only I could be there for the local one...

Me: If I only knew. Let's move on - today we have another festival, the one with "stage" in the name.

Goh: Oh, the stage thing. It sounds like everything will happen there.

Ash: Yeah! It's at the mall rooftop at a little stage. I went there to check things out first.

Goh: Wait - doesn't this sound like the one from last year?

Ash: Um... it actually does. The poster even had the name of the school and its business festival.

Pikachu: Pi pika chu! ["All of that!"] 

Me: Well, there you go. But I have to say, I heard that this one doesn't have anything special (a competition) for characters, but they can still come if they want to.

Goh: OK, if that's the case, then what did you do instead?

Ash: I went to the card game shop to play a tile game with your other friends.

Me: It was planned anyway, and it's better than walking around for nothing.

Goh: Oh, that's new. I'm sure you had a good time.

Ash: Yeah, it was OK. Then I went back there and met many of your friends - character and more.

Goh: Looks like everyone wanted a good time. So... I guess the entertainment was dance groups, because of the "stage" thing.

Ash: I did see and hear a couple of them while I was outside with our friend's friends.

Me: And... that's about all you did, right?

Ash: Sure, before I went back to you. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["A full day."] 

Goh: Well, with whatever is (or was) left on both days, at least you two made it more than it seemed.

Ash: That's true.

Me: It could have been more, but that's the way things went.

Goh: I think more will definitely come.

Me: It sure will, so there will be things to be prepared for that.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/21/2025

Two years ago: My Pokémon Leveling Progress in Café Remix

Three years ago: So You Think You Can (_____) with Pokémon

Four years ago: The Fossil Cup of GBL

Five years ago: Community Day Patterns

Six years ago: Another Anime Dream

Seven years ago: Cosplay Card, Fourth Version

Eight years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

Nine years ago: Resets and Redos

Cosplay: Kawaii Harmony Festival

Goh: Oh, something came up in the season transition, like last year.

Me: Very observant (see below). This one happened to be on Sunday, although...

Ash: This one was for two days, wasn't it? With Saturday?

Pikachu: Pi pika? ["Two days?"]

Me: Indeed it was. But only the second day (Sunday) was important for us.

Goh: OK, so... "Kawaii Harmony" - cute harmony - I sense a sound thing going on here.

Ash: Yeah! It was all about sound and music.

Goh: Kinda figured it out. Well, I think we all expected a singing competition, then.

Ash: Two of them!

Goh: Two??

Me: Let me explain. So, there was actually one for the so-called "rookie" (novice) competitors and another for the "idol" (expert) competitors. But anyone was free to sign up for either one or both - including Ash (for me, of course).

Goh: Did you... sign up for both? 

Ash: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Double!"]

Goh: I hope you two had a good plan for that.

Me: Pokémon songs, of course. This time, it was "Hitoribocchi Ja Nai" for the Rookie competition and our staple "Mezase Pokémon Master" for the Idol one.

Goh: The first one's new for you. Makes sense to put it there.

Ash: And they're both from my adventures in the water city!

Me: Yeah, you know. So you get your Kanto and Johto outfit for that.

Goh: So... I have the schedule for both days, and... wow, yes, no character competitions. Looks like it was full of music acts and the singing competitions.

Me: Yup. Full on about the music.

Ash: It was different for sure!

Goh: And how'd you do with that different new song?

Ash: Um... It came out a little too high for me!

Pikachu: Pi pi pika...! ["So high...!"]

Me: Oh, huh. I thought it would have been just fine.

Ash: And... I messed up the second-to-last line - but I tried to make up for it...

Me: You know, a lot of the parts of this song sound similar to one another. Somehow I kept getting confused myself when I sing it.

Goh: Well, there you go. That must have been it.

Me: But, uh... this high thing needs a bit more investigation - and it could be troublesome.

Ash: Our usual song was fine, though! Well, almost fine. The judge gave a few expert pointers for us. Think you're up for the challenge?

Me: Well... That might be a difficult commitment, but I'll see what I can do. It's all the pro things that maybe you and I hardly think about.

Goh: Maybe you'd want to think about that some more. Well, after all that, I think something definitely happened.

Ash: Yeah! I got "Runner Up" for the Rookie competition but nothing for the Idol one. A friend of us did for that.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Very nice!"]

Goh: What do you know. That's pretty nice.

Me: Yeah... but then I'm told that everyone wins something for Rookie. So yeah, it was a given.

Goh: "Runner Up" is pretty good, even with that flub.

Me: Yeah, that. Again, I'll look into it.

Goh: Also, were there not any character festivals, conventions, or such?

Ash: Another friend told me there was one in the same faraway town... but it was more like a wedding reception with a dress code and all!

Goh: Huh. What about nearer ones?

Ash: There was one closer to our friend, but it was also just as far...

Me: I'm shaking my fist at that one. I wish I'd found out about it sooner, so we didn't have to commit to this one.

Pikachu: Chu... pika? ["Maybe... not?"]

Goh: Maybe fate wanted you two to win an award for singing, at least.

Ash: Maybe so!

Me: Even though singing may not be our strong suit (as it was said, it could be stronger), an award is pretty nice, especially with our Pokémon dealings. 

Goh: There you go. 

Ash: It works out for us - even musically. 

Me: That may just be a "cute harmony" in itself.

One year ago: Cosplay: Uchiwa no Michi + DakFest Photo Shoot

Two years ago: Never Too Late for Pokémon

Three years ago: Lost (Last) and Innocent in Silph Arena

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022: A Marathon Incoming

Five years ago: Display Case Ideas for Pokémon Fans

Six years ago: Pokémon and Sign Language

Seven years ago: A Daily Pokémon Routine

Eight years ago: Missing Ranger

Nine years ago: 3DS Pokémon Badges

Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 20

Ash: Hey, wait! Didn't you say this festival was "barred"?

Me: I did in fact say that a couple of years ago, but I also said that it could take some time to really get it going again... and it looks like "some time" has passed.

Goh: Technically our friend is right, if two years counts.

Me: One of the things I heard is that the 19th edition, which would be last year, wasn't a festival, but a job fair (odd as it is with the title). You could say it was "on probation".

Goh: Oh, that's why it skipped a number as a festival. 

Ash: I guess it makes sense.

Pikachu: Pika pika? ["You think?"]

Goh: But now it's back as a festival... so I hoped they changed from last time.

Me: For starters, it's back where it belongs. 

Ash: At your place of study! But it was still ticketed...

Me: Yeah. I don't think they'd be able to get away from that, especially in this day and age.

Goh: Was it still two days?

Me: Good question - yes! But I'm aware that yesterday was student competitions only, and the actual festival is confined to today. I actually passed by the area then and there was nothing (yet), so that supports that.

Ash: Oh, and it was in a different part of the school.

Me: But it's still where I studied, so it still works.

Ash: I think the people who can't (or don't want to) get in could still enjoy it from the benches of the building across. 

Goh: Maybe that was the consideration. 

Ash: Maybe so!

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Maybe!"]

Goh: All right, so I guess as usual we have competitions for us - you - today.

Me: We have two: singing and character parade. Unfortunately...

Ash: You entered me in the singing competition, but I didn't get past the qualifier, even with "Mezase Pokémon Master".

Goh: Oh, this is new... or was it like this last time?

Me: It was like this last time, but our straw hat friend got through with a different song, so... ask him.

Goh: Huh. So what did you have to do?

Ash: Our friend recorded a video of me singing, and that was the qualifier a few weeks ago.

Goh: Oh, OK. So if they selected people, then the ones on stage have to be really good. 

Ash: Most were! But one wasn't too good. I wish I made it instead of that person.

Pikachu: Pi pika... ["I think so..."]

Me: So do I.

Ash: But because I didn't make it, I got free entry since our friend paid for the competition.

Goh: Then, what about the other, the character parade?

Ash: I paid a little more and I got in that one. I was the very last one.

Me: I have to say that I had the idea - and we were very fortunate.

Goh: Looks very much like it. So how'd that go?

Ash: I didn't make it. Only two winners - and I guessed which ones right. And I think the judges know me.

Me: Oh. Tough call (or not).

Ash: The festival was still great. The stands were OK, and a good number of people came.

Pikachu: Pi pika pika chu! ["And did things with us!"]

Me: I heard the promotion on this was sudden and not too extensive, so if it was lengthier and more extensive, a lot more would have come.

Goh: Sure. How about the entertainment? A festival has to have that.

Ash: Dance groups and a DJ at the end.

Goh: OK. The current ones and all.

Me: So, you have to give some credit for the students in getting this thing going again, even if it's only a little like the past ones.

Ash: They did great! They can do even better next time.

Goh: I'm with Ash on this one. I'm sure they can make it better - but this is a start.

Me: It's definitely a start to "having fun together"... to make great times again.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 5/24/2025

Two years ago: For the Very Little Ones: monpoké

Three years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Budak_Korporat.ID (SA Factions)

Four years ago: Sensitive Parts of Pokémon

Five years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Toys: The Rest, Part 1

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/24/2020

Seven years ago: T-Shirts in Distress

Eight years ago: Trading Items?

Nine years ago: Retro Rendezvous

Cosplay: Ganbatte Idol Fest 2026

Ash, Goh: We're back!

Me: Good timing. There's this convention I'd like to send Ash to, and it's today.

Goh: I see that. This looks like it's new - for you at least.

Me: It's indeed new for me (us). It's been going on for a couple of years, though; I just never had a chance to do anything about it until now. 

Ash: And now I get to deal with it!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Let's do it!"]

Me: Of course. Now, the place should be familiar...

Ash: Oh, it's the usual big mall for conventions and stuff.

Me: Well, sure. And inside there?

Ash: You said it. Just like the usual. Communities, goodies, and characters. I met the vehicle community and the tile game community.

Me: It's good to spend time with them... which hopefully you did.

Ash: I did spend time with both. I got a picture taken with the first and had a couple of good games with the second.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Good job."]

Me: Well, there you go. Did you find the rest of the booths interesting?

Ash: I got a couple of goodies... and that was it. I just had small talk with the rest.

Me: Uh-huh. Speaking of talking, where has Goh gone?

Goh: Hi!

Ash: Oh! You're actually here!

Me: Well, what do you know. Someone actually sent you in for real this time.

Ash: Maybe I should have had my Journeys outfit instead of my special journey one. 

Me: And then I had been requested to have you with your Kalos outfit, but it wasn't exactly convenient. 

Ash: I guess we did what we can. 

Goh: Hey, doesn't it seem like there aren't a lot of characters around here?

Ash: But it's a big convention! There's still a good number.

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["Quite a bit."]

Goh: That's true, even if it's less than what you'd expect. 

Ash: I guess the ones who came were really serious about this one.

Goh: Well, you know, there's the character parade and the performance competition... but the latter isn't for you, and I think you need to deal with the former.

Ash: Oh, yeah! I need to do that.

Goh: I'll see you back after I do some stuff.

Ash: Sure!

Me: OK, so then there's the two competitions. For the character parade, did you have any trouble getting in?

Ash: Well, the people asked me to sign up for something, but I got around that somehow.

Pikachu: Pika chu? ["Tricky?"]

Me: Yeah, usually that's a bit of a sign. But I'm told this on had a lot of prizes?

Ash: Yeah! But a lot of characters wanted it too, so a lot still didn't win anything... and I didn't.

Me: Still a "lottery". Now, based on my research, the performance competition is a regional edition that is a part of Indonesia Cosplay League (ICL) for a global series called GICOF, so a different one but still in a related vein to ICGP for WCS.

Ash: Oh. That does make it hard for us to get in. But all the teams (I saw) really had great performances!

Me: I'm sure they did. OK, and on top of all this, you must have met my other friends.

Ash: A lot of them - even one dressed in black... and... white?

Me: Sounds interesting, that one friend. Oh, and what about other entertainment?

Ash: Dance groups - but they were all in a stage in a separate space.

Me: OK, that's the "fest" part covered.

Goh: I'm back! So, after that person sent me, I guess we can say that the convention is like a smaller version of other conventions that are usually here.

Ash: Like ChibiCon and C4.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Like that!"]

Me: I'm told it's not meant to be this small. I heard that there's another convention some distance away and yet another one in a neighboring town.

Ash: Oh, so some people might have gone there instead of to this one.

Goh: That seems to explain things. But hey, I'm sure you still had a great a time - I know I also did.

Ash: And it's the first time for this one too!

Me: It's a first time (for us), and a bit of a "strange" time, but it made for a great time. This one is definitely in the books - and spirits, as the spirit of "ganbatte".

One year ago: Overnumbered Cards in TCG

Two years ago: My Favorite Pokémon Outfits in Café Remix So Far

Three years ago: One-Minute Cooking: A New Standard?

Four years ago: Scoring in Pokémon Unite

Five years ago: Friendships Like Pokémon

Six years ago: Everyday Discoveries

Seven years ago: Local EX Raid (and a Whirlwind), 4/19/2019

Eight years ago: Cracking the Case

Nine years ago: Oddest Things with Pikachu