Monday, January 5, 2009

Anime Los Angeles 5

The Oriental Fusion Handcraft had the opportunity to be part of “Anime Los Angeles (ALA)” which was held from 2nd to 4th of January. This was not just an anime fan event, but a mega-size event in which participants enjoyed forums and discussions, contests, bought merchandise, played games, made crafts, and shot photographs wearing a costume of one’s favorite anime character. 
Everything started from an invitation from Heide Nichols, the Program Division Chair of Anime Los Angeles. She called and said, “I saw the crafts that you organized at the Pasadena Public Library. Will you be interested in presenting your recycling activities to the participants who have a common interest in the Japanese culture and language through anime?” That was how we became part of the ALA. 

Bunch of left over postcards transformed into a cute little basket!
 Usually in the recycling craft workshops, milk cartons are used as the primary source of recycling. However, in this event, we were able to make possible the idea that was brought during the meeting with Heide. “I have a bunch of postcards that were used in the previous years… Would it be possible to recycle them?”
 
On the day of the event, staff from Reiyukai arrived at Hotel Marriot next to Los Angeles International Airport. Several thousand people gathered for the event . The main hall was already full of people wearing costumes creating a very animated atmosphere. Reiyukai America staff were a little bit nervous because of several factors. 1) First time to be in such a big event. 2) First attempt to introduce post card recycling and 3) there were so many people! Nevertheless, thanks to the great support and kindness given by the ALA personnel, staff from Reiyukai America could set up and organize their workshop smoothly. And no wonder. This ALA clearly differentiates from other anime events by emphasizing “fun for family.” If a child purchases a ticket, a parent can participate in the event for free. There were forums titled “Anime for Beginners and Parents” and many more. There were great and passionate attempts to encourage the participants to use anime as a media for family fun and not for a small group of maniacs or just a hobby for a kid.
In such a great atmosphere, many participants enjoyed to recycle postcards into a little useful basket. Everyone enjoyed the process of making it and they left the workshop room with a great smile of satisfaction on their faces!