San Francisco’s Japantown is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the oldest Japanese community on the continental United States.
Celebrations and events in honor of this historic event in Asian American history have been going on all summer long, and the 4th Annual Japantown Anime Faire (JTAF4) this weekend of September 16-17 will be adding some popular youth culture fandom to the merriment.
The popularity of anime and manga from Japan has been one of the major forces bringing elements of Japanese and Asian culture to American life.
Those of us who grew up with sashimi, Yan Yan, Pocky and kimonos when no one else at school knew what those things were will find many like us at JTAF4.
Many people of all ages, including those of Asian and non-Asian heritage, will be enjoying box after box of delicious Asian snacks and flaunting Asian-inspired clothing in their cosplay costumes.
JTAF4 furthers the new tradition of popular media bringing in traditional elements of Asian culture to the West. Opening ceremonies will include a performance by Gen Taiko. Other live performances include a number of J-rock inspired bands such as Akai Sky, Random Ninjas and SLY with the Anime Expo 2004 AX Idol winner Stephanie Yanez as lead singer. Mari Iijima, famous for the voice of Minmei of Robotech, will be performing live as well. These live shows will be happening at the gorgeous Miyako Hotel where you’ll have to peel any aficionado of Japanese art and architecture out of his or her lovely Japanese-style rooms at check-out time.
Video screenings will be showcasing anime, movies and other media from Asia. For those looking to shop till you drop, the JTAF4 exhibit hall has some specialty vendors that will have all kinds of fun items from toy ninja weapons to the latest UMD and DVD imports from Asia.
Also, Japantown in general is just an excellent place to find all those exquisitely beautiful things you saw in Memoirs of a Geisha. Other events worth enjoying are the tabletop and video gaming, panels and workshops on various aspects of Japanese culture, and a cosplay contest. Don’t forget your cameras! http://jtaf.project760.com