So two days ago I went to a Japanese event called Japanese World for the purpose of cosplay. As you might be able to tell, this is an annual event, which I'm told got its start in the late 2000s or early 2010s. I've been here properly only once, two years ago; four years ago I came, but something happened which only allowed me to experience the event for a mere five minutes, so I don't even count that. Between all those years there were a myriad of excuses for why I didn't go, not the least of which was last year, which as I mentioned for this year's Pokémon Day post, was to go elsewhere to be with other Pokémon fans.
Attendance aside, this is one of a handful of events where I've only cosplayed Pokémon characters; two years ago it was Ash in his XY/Kalos outfit, and this year I went slightly retro with Ash's BW/Unova outfit. Also, if you've been reading my blog, then you'll know that my cosplay anniversary was also two days ago. That's right - I cosplayed on my cosplay anniversary, which was special indeed. And to do it while I'm in my element - Pokémon cosplay - it's just spectacular.
As for the event itself, not much is different from when I was here two years ago. All the merchandise stands were along a narrow alley and the food stands were in a parking lot, sharing a space next to the stage, which made for a crowded event. There were only a couple of indoor attractions, so the best things happened outside. But I was OK with that; I was here for cosplay and I sealed the deal. There were also quite a few people that recognized who I cosplayed and more photo requests than usual. Above all, I also got to accompany a friend, also cosplaying, all throughout the day; although he came a little later than me, we effectively wandered together for most of the day, up until the point we had to part to go back to our separate homes. It was just such a great day.
This event takes place somewhat far from home, which explains why I came back home tired two days ago. Also, given my attendance pattern, there might be something that keeps me from this event next year, unless I anticipate it as early as possible. It has been my wish that I make this an annual event ever since that proper attendance two years ago as this event can be exciting, and that was true this year. Time will tell next year if I can come again.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary
February 27 is another special day, not just for myself, but for all Pokémon fans. It is because 21 years ago to this exact date, the original Pokémon games, Red and Green, were released in Japan. As such, this day is also considered the inception date for Pokémon - the epoch, if you will. Celebration is in effect also welcome on this day. Playing the games is appropriate, as is watching the anime or collecting merchandise. If it's related to Pokémon, whatever done today is worthy to be called a celebration for this day.
Unfortunately today I couldn't do much as I was catching up on some important tasks at home. I did, however, get a few rounds of Pokémon Shuffle in on my 3DS; it seems that this has been true for some time, that the only Pokémon game I've consistently played in recent times is Pokémon Shuffle. Due to certain circumstances, I've been allowed to have the Wii for a little longer, but like all other games besides Shuffle, I've been unable to get some recent play time on it. And then there's the fact that I came back home yesterday tired after an event - more details soon.
Still, it's impressive for Pokémon to be around for this long, though admittedly it was last year's anniversary - the 20th - that was more special. So special was it last year that I did something out of the ordinary to be with other people who like Pokémon, and that effort was worthwhile; I got to meet, play, and spend quite a bit of time with them. In my heart I believe we've all waited for this anniversary eagerly, and it's nice that this happened at the right time. Now that Pokémon is (over) two decades old, we're hoping for even bigger and greater things to keep the momentum going. We're seeing some semblances of this in newly released games such as Sun and Moon; if they're as good as the experience playing Sun and Moon, we're in for exciting times ahead.
Happy 21st anniversary, Pokémon. It's such a pleasure to have you for all those years, and here is to many more to come.
Unfortunately today I couldn't do much as I was catching up on some important tasks at home. I did, however, get a few rounds of Pokémon Shuffle in on my 3DS; it seems that this has been true for some time, that the only Pokémon game I've consistently played in recent times is Pokémon Shuffle. Due to certain circumstances, I've been allowed to have the Wii for a little longer, but like all other games besides Shuffle, I've been unable to get some recent play time on it. And then there's the fact that I came back home yesterday tired after an event - more details soon.
Still, it's impressive for Pokémon to be around for this long, though admittedly it was last year's anniversary - the 20th - that was more special. So special was it last year that I did something out of the ordinary to be with other people who like Pokémon, and that effort was worthwhile; I got to meet, play, and spend quite a bit of time with them. In my heart I believe we've all waited for this anniversary eagerly, and it's nice that this happened at the right time. Now that Pokémon is (over) two decades old, we're hoping for even bigger and greater things to keep the momentum going. We're seeing some semblances of this in newly released games such as Sun and Moon; if they're as good as the experience playing Sun and Moon, we're in for exciting times ahead.
Happy 21st anniversary, Pokémon. It's such a pleasure to have you for all those years, and here is to many more to come.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Fifth Cosplay Anniversary
February 26 is a treasured date for me. It was on this date five years ago that I started my adventures in cosplay. With the Ash costume that I had as pictured here, I attended my first Japanese event, prepared for cosplay. That day was such a wonderful day; for the first time, I got to become a character I very much admire and to show it off in front of others. Also, it seemed that on that day I was destined to cosplay Pokémon, as one of my friends also dressed up and became a human version of Pikachu, and effectively filled in the role of my character's companion. The memories of that day still remain in my mind and the pictures taken throughout the whole day.
That first costume didn't just appear out of nowhere. I had to consult a couple of times with the tailor who would assist in making the clothing items for the costume, and the during the time these items were made, it was quite a wait. Fortunately, when they were finished, they looked awesome. I also remember how it was with the assistance of a few friends that we got together and figured out how to make the gloves, which came in the nick of time - the night before the event. So I have many to thank for their assistance with the costume. I would use the experience I gained during the process for my later Ash costumes, and reciprocally, I would use my later experience to improve the appearance of this particular costume.
Time goes by so fast. After a half-decade of cosplay, I can say that it all has been worthwhile. With all the costumes I have worn, I've made a lot of new friends, been to different places, and had many, many wonderful times. And many of those times have been with a Pokémon cosplay. Thus I too have to thank Pokémon for providing the inspiration to get into this creative activity. It has been such a pleasure-filled five years, and I look forward to more pleasure-filled times ahead with cosplay, especially Pokémon cosplay.
That first costume didn't just appear out of nowhere. I had to consult a couple of times with the tailor who would assist in making the clothing items for the costume, and the during the time these items were made, it was quite a wait. Fortunately, when they were finished, they looked awesome. I also remember how it was with the assistance of a few friends that we got together and figured out how to make the gloves, which came in the nick of time - the night before the event. So I have many to thank for their assistance with the costume. I would use the experience I gained during the process for my later Ash costumes, and reciprocally, I would use my later experience to improve the appearance of this particular costume.
Time goes by so fast. After a half-decade of cosplay, I can say that it all has been worthwhile. With all the costumes I have worn, I've made a lot of new friends, been to different places, and had many, many wonderful times. And many of those times have been with a Pokémon cosplay. Thus I too have to thank Pokémon for providing the inspiration to get into this creative activity. It has been such a pleasure-filled five years, and I look forward to more pleasure-filled times ahead with cosplay, especially Pokémon cosplay.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Dealing with Cosplay Offerings
In all my times of cosplaying Pokémon (in particular Ash and Red), I've been to many different cosplay or Japanese events. And all those events have equally different offerings for cosplay competitions, which may number from none to a few. I don't blame the organizers; hosting cosplay competitions is a tough job, with all its elements, from start to finish, which is why there is often only one rather than a few, or none at all sometimes. Regardless, I've come up with ways to handle the cosplay offerings of certain events, if they do offer any at all, with my Pokémon cosplay.
Street Cosplay. This is the easiest offering to deal with, as basically I only have to mingle with other event visitors and only act occasionally and briefly for them, perhaps directly in front of a camera. It is always available regardless of whether or not it is designated as a competition. It works for my Pokémon cosplay because my characters could be considered simple in nature. Still, competitive-wise, this can be hard to judge, as it is obvious that I'm not the only one cosplaying; questions arise on observation and evaluation, if they're not done by visitors themselves.
Cosplay Parade/Walk. This is the second easiest offering to deal with. Cosplay parade or cosplay walk involves one-person stage performances on the order of less than a minute and quick changes from one participant to another. Any competition that satisfies these conditions is what I would call a cosplay parade or walk. I like this because my characters don't have many special actions and I can do all the things they do within that short time span, and it would still please the audience. The only requirement for myself is that I have to make my actions as spectacular as possible within the short time span for the judges to see.
Single Cosplay Performance. If the one-person stage performances are demanded to be longer than a minute, then it's a single cosplay performance. This kind of competition also frequently requires performance audio/backgrounds to be submitted prior to the competition. As such I'm also required to choreograph my performances to suit those additional items, which can sometimes be difficult for my characters. I've generally been able to use game or anime music to suit my characters, but on the whole this is a kind of competition with a performance that requires preparation time and commitment, which is why I often skip it given the characters I cosplay.
Team Cosplay Performance. It is clear that this kind of competition is for multiple cosplayers and is not a solo effort. I have been in a couple of team performances, but non-competitive ones, and they're both mashups with other cosplays. I am interested in a Pokémon team cosplay performance, but this takes even more preparation and commitment, most of which is shared. Unless I can get a team going and ready for this kind of competition, I am likely to skip this type of competition as well.
These are the four cosplay offerings that I often see at local Japanese events with cosplay or cosplay events. All of them work to various degrees with my Pokémon cosplay, but I'm happy to oblige to partake in them if they're worth it. It just helps to fulfill the essential premise of cosplay, which is to dress and act as particular characters. I don't see why I can't do this too with Pokémon, one thing that I very much like.
Street Cosplay. This is the easiest offering to deal with, as basically I only have to mingle with other event visitors and only act occasionally and briefly for them, perhaps directly in front of a camera. It is always available regardless of whether or not it is designated as a competition. It works for my Pokémon cosplay because my characters could be considered simple in nature. Still, competitive-wise, this can be hard to judge, as it is obvious that I'm not the only one cosplaying; questions arise on observation and evaluation, if they're not done by visitors themselves.
Cosplay Parade/Walk. This is the second easiest offering to deal with. Cosplay parade or cosplay walk involves one-person stage performances on the order of less than a minute and quick changes from one participant to another. Any competition that satisfies these conditions is what I would call a cosplay parade or walk. I like this because my characters don't have many special actions and I can do all the things they do within that short time span, and it would still please the audience. The only requirement for myself is that I have to make my actions as spectacular as possible within the short time span for the judges to see.
Single Cosplay Performance. If the one-person stage performances are demanded to be longer than a minute, then it's a single cosplay performance. This kind of competition also frequently requires performance audio/backgrounds to be submitted prior to the competition. As such I'm also required to choreograph my performances to suit those additional items, which can sometimes be difficult for my characters. I've generally been able to use game or anime music to suit my characters, but on the whole this is a kind of competition with a performance that requires preparation time and commitment, which is why I often skip it given the characters I cosplay.
Team Cosplay Performance. It is clear that this kind of competition is for multiple cosplayers and is not a solo effort. I have been in a couple of team performances, but non-competitive ones, and they're both mashups with other cosplays. I am interested in a Pokémon team cosplay performance, but this takes even more preparation and commitment, most of which is shared. Unless I can get a team going and ready for this kind of competition, I am likely to skip this type of competition as well.
These are the four cosplay offerings that I often see at local Japanese events with cosplay or cosplay events. All of them work to various degrees with my Pokémon cosplay, but I'm happy to oblige to partake in them if they're worth it. It just helps to fulfill the essential premise of cosplay, which is to dress and act as particular characters. I don't see why I can't do this too with Pokémon, one thing that I very much like.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Memories of Johto
Recently, Pokémon Go just updated in what I would term as the "Johto Update", bringing the members of the second-generation Pokémon into the game. It's a long-awaited update ever since its boom in the middle of last year. At the moment, it might be hard for me to start playing Go again, but it is something that I desire very much. Moreover, this "Johto Update" brings back memories of games and the anime as they concerned the region.
I remember how excited I was in awaiting to play Gold and Silver, the initial games featuring the Johto region, and how that excitement became mixed with depression over other things that were going on as I played. It's always been something I regret, not to have enjoyed the game (I selected Gold) with more upbeat feelings. The experience was better with Crystal as I had resolved some of the issues that plagued my time with Gold, and I found its slightly altered storyline more enjoyable. Years later, when the second-generation remakes came on the scene and I selected SoulSilver to play, I found the further alterations to the storyline a big improvement, but they didn't detract from the nostalgia to the older games. Regardless of the games, I found Johto to be an enigmatic eastern-influenced region, which was such a change compared to the Kanto region.
It was also when the anime showed the Johto region that I started somewhat actively following it, all the way to its climax. There were a lot of joys as I saw Ash undertake the challenges of the region and succeeding - many of the gym battles come to mind - and sorrows when he was less successful, including that climax. The Lugia and Lake of Rage story arcs were also quite thrilling and excellent additions. Plus, the feature films of the Johto saga era (Spell of the Unown, 4Ever, Heroes) were profound pieces and great complements to the main anime storyline.
For me, there were a lot of ups and downs when recalling moments pertaining to the Johto region, by way of its associated Pokémon. Whether they were as I played the games or watched the anime, there were things that were saddening, but then there were also pleasantries that made things great. These are the memories I'll always remember for this region.
I remember how excited I was in awaiting to play Gold and Silver, the initial games featuring the Johto region, and how that excitement became mixed with depression over other things that were going on as I played. It's always been something I regret, not to have enjoyed the game (I selected Gold) with more upbeat feelings. The experience was better with Crystal as I had resolved some of the issues that plagued my time with Gold, and I found its slightly altered storyline more enjoyable. Years later, when the second-generation remakes came on the scene and I selected SoulSilver to play, I found the further alterations to the storyline a big improvement, but they didn't detract from the nostalgia to the older games. Regardless of the games, I found Johto to be an enigmatic eastern-influenced region, which was such a change compared to the Kanto region.
It was also when the anime showed the Johto region that I started somewhat actively following it, all the way to its climax. There were a lot of joys as I saw Ash undertake the challenges of the region and succeeding - many of the gym battles come to mind - and sorrows when he was less successful, including that climax. The Lugia and Lake of Rage story arcs were also quite thrilling and excellent additions. Plus, the feature films of the Johto saga era (Spell of the Unown, 4Ever, Heroes) were profound pieces and great complements to the main anime storyline.
For me, there were a lot of ups and downs when recalling moments pertaining to the Johto region, by way of its associated Pokémon. Whether they were as I played the games or watched the anime, there were things that were saddening, but then there were also pleasantries that made things great. These are the memories I'll always remember for this region.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Competitive or Non-Competitive?
With VGC-style competitive play, Pokémon has an established standard for players to test their skills against one another. However, although unstated, this mode of play requires preparation that is not very little in terms of both time and effort. Breeding is involved, as are selection of moves and hold items, and stat development. For some people, especially when combined with other things they have to do, this can be a bit much. Fortunately, Pokémon is not just VGC, and there are many things to enjoy besides VGC-style battling.
This does lead to a point of consideration: how much of what we enjoy is competitive and how much of it is not? For players that really delve into VGC and its preparatory "rituals", if you will, they are definitely more into the competitive side. For those who are less versed in the whys and hows of VGC, they might be more non-competitive than competitive. What is clear is that the question I pose as the title of this post is not an all-or-nothing. There are VGC players that are interested in many non-competitive aspects, and there are non-competitive players that may have tried out VGC battling.
At this point, I consider myself mostly non-competitive, as I got into VGC a little late. If I were to quantify it, my competitive/non-competitive ratio is 30:70. As a fan of all things Pokémon, I feel that I should also delve into VGC even if it is only to understand its ways. It might be hard and take more time for me to become a VGC master, but the least I can do is to take in as much as possible and compete based on what I've been able to do. The rest is reserved for all my other ventures in the Pokémon universe.
In the end, evaluating this characteristic is a matter of personal tastes. If you like VGC and are willing to put up with all its "rituals" and its associated time and effort, go for it. If not, you don't have to, but if you like Pokémon as much as I do, you will want to at least try it. Pokémon is no longer just games, though games are still the primary focus, and VGC is a highly standardized way of playing - everyone is welcome for everything.
This does lead to a point of consideration: how much of what we enjoy is competitive and how much of it is not? For players that really delve into VGC and its preparatory "rituals", if you will, they are definitely more into the competitive side. For those who are less versed in the whys and hows of VGC, they might be more non-competitive than competitive. What is clear is that the question I pose as the title of this post is not an all-or-nothing. There are VGC players that are interested in many non-competitive aspects, and there are non-competitive players that may have tried out VGC battling.
At this point, I consider myself mostly non-competitive, as I got into VGC a little late. If I were to quantify it, my competitive/non-competitive ratio is 30:70. As a fan of all things Pokémon, I feel that I should also delve into VGC even if it is only to understand its ways. It might be hard and take more time for me to become a VGC master, but the least I can do is to take in as much as possible and compete based on what I've been able to do. The rest is reserved for all my other ventures in the Pokémon universe.
In the end, evaluating this characteristic is a matter of personal tastes. If you like VGC and are willing to put up with all its "rituals" and its associated time and effort, go for it. If not, you don't have to, but if you like Pokémon as much as I do, you will want to at least try it. Pokémon is no longer just games, though games are still the primary focus, and VGC is a highly standardized way of playing - everyone is welcome for everything.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Back in the Park
I've just finished the original iteration of PokéPark... or at least received indication that I've completed the main storyline. Uniquely, the game does this by not immediately presenting you the credits sequence; instead, the game tells you that something new has appeared, and you check that out in order to view the credits sequence. I take this as a sign that I've completed my primary objective, which means I can relax and play other games. Oh, don't worry - I've been cleared for an extension of the Wii loan.
And now that I've seen the credits sequence, I've cleared myself to give overall impressions of the game. I found the attractions (the mini-games) fairly amusing; although they are mostly of the running and shooting type games, and they are simple in nature, you do have to understand what you can do and maximize that to obtain the best scores or times possible. The good thing is that there is an arcade mode for mini-game play without storyline play, so at least once you've played through the story you can access the mini-games directly; this will be great for playing with others. As for the action-adventure part, there were some hiccups, but making progress was generally smooth, especially in interacting with other Pokémon to make them friends - again, you have to understand what you can do (and what other Pokémon do) to make this happen. Near the end, there were a few parts where "platforming" skills come in quite handily; I'm not so good at this and it inevitably took me a long time (30 minutes to an hour) to constantly retry until I succeeded. You might do much better than me with these parts. In any case, the entire game constitutes an exciting adventure for one with bonus enjoyment for many.
Also, the game comes with one important message: friendship and camaraderie is important. It is better to stay together and be understanding of each other rather than to be split apart for petty reasons. This is something that applies very much in real life and is worthwhile to remember.
Since I'm going to have the Wii a bit longer, I'm going to take on PokéPark 2 for as long as I possibly can. I've already ventured slightly into the game and things already look promising. Like the first PokéPark, I'm already intrigued to see through its completion.
And now that I've seen the credits sequence, I've cleared myself to give overall impressions of the game. I found the attractions (the mini-games) fairly amusing; although they are mostly of the running and shooting type games, and they are simple in nature, you do have to understand what you can do and maximize that to obtain the best scores or times possible. The good thing is that there is an arcade mode for mini-game play without storyline play, so at least once you've played through the story you can access the mini-games directly; this will be great for playing with others. As for the action-adventure part, there were some hiccups, but making progress was generally smooth, especially in interacting with other Pokémon to make them friends - again, you have to understand what you can do (and what other Pokémon do) to make this happen. Near the end, there were a few parts where "platforming" skills come in quite handily; I'm not so good at this and it inevitably took me a long time (30 minutes to an hour) to constantly retry until I succeeded. You might do much better than me with these parts. In any case, the entire game constitutes an exciting adventure for one with bonus enjoyment for many.
Also, the game comes with one important message: friendship and camaraderie is important. It is better to stay together and be understanding of each other rather than to be split apart for petty reasons. This is something that applies very much in real life and is worthwhile to remember.
Since I'm going to have the Wii a bit longer, I'm going to take on PokéPark 2 for as long as I possibly can. I've already ventured slightly into the game and things already look promising. Like the first PokéPark, I'm already intrigued to see through its completion.
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