【Event Report: 2022 Emerald City Comic Con】
2022/9/4
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle returned to Pop Asia for a second year at the Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC), which was held at the Seattle Convention Center on August 18ー21. ECCC is the largest annual comic book and pop culture-focused convention in the Pacific Northwest. Authors, artists, celebrity actors, and leaders from the comic industry and related industries, as well as cosplayers, memorabilia collectors, and a variety of vendors draw in participants from across the country. Originally approached last year by the convention organizers, ReedPop, we were asked to introduce Japanese culture in the newly created Pop Asia space. According to ReedPop, the anticipated attendance this year was 65,000 over the four-day event. (Announced by the organizer.)
【The ECCC entrance photo-op space was very popular 】
Each day over 100 visitors stopped by our booth, many of whom tried our “Chopstick Challenge,” racing their friends and the clock as they transferred as many beads as possible from one bowl to another using wooden chopsticks in 45 seconds. Each day the top three competitors on our leaderboard won a prize, and by the end of the event, the highest count was over 100 beads! On Friday, All Nippon Airways (ANA) joined our booth to promote travel to Japan and offered children’s flight attendant uniforms and props for selfies. Many visitors to our booth were also looking forward to planning trips to Japan, so our tour pamphlets, maps and travel-related displays were very popular. In addition, 40 people signed up for our newsletter, showing that people are eager to learn more about our office and what we do.
【Competitors try to get their names on the Chopstick Challenge leaderboard】
In addition to our booth, we hosted several panels, one of which featured alumni from the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and another that presented a group of former students who shared their experiences studying in Japan. Other presentations featured a furoshiki demonstration, Japanese armor, and the fan-favorite panel “Story Time with the Consulate,” which introduced traditional Japanese folktales.
【Consulate staff demonstrating how to wear a samurai’s helmet】
At ECCC we were able to share some of the traditions that inspire and are present in anime and manga. This year the Pop Asia area expanded, doubling in the number of booths and featured an interactive area. We are excited to be a part of Pop Asia as it becomes a destination space at ECCC. The convention will move to March in 2023, and we look forward to seeing you there!
【The ECCC entrance photo-op space was very popular 】
【Artist Alley featured over 350 artists from across the U.S.】
Each day over 100 visitors stopped by our booth, many of whom tried our “Chopstick Challenge,” racing their friends and the clock as they transferred as many beads as possible from one bowl to another using wooden chopsticks in 45 seconds. Each day the top three competitors on our leaderboard won a prize, and by the end of the event, the highest count was over 100 beads! On Friday, All Nippon Airways (ANA) joined our booth to promote travel to Japan and offered children’s flight attendant uniforms and props for selfies. Many visitors to our booth were also looking forward to planning trips to Japan, so our tour pamphlets, maps and travel-related displays were very popular. In addition, 40 people signed up for our newsletter, showing that people are eager to learn more about our office and what we do.
【Competitors try to get their names on the Chopstick Challenge leaderboard】
【Visitors were able to learn more about the wide variety of chopsticks that exist】
【ANA hosted a flight crew cosplay booth】
【Consulate staff were kept busy recommending travel destinations in Japan】
In addition to our booth, we hosted several panels, one of which featured alumni from the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and another that presented a group of former students who shared their experiences studying in Japan. Other presentations featured a furoshiki demonstration, Japanese armor, and the fan-favorite panel “Story Time with the Consulate,” which introduced traditional Japanese folktales.
【Consulate staff demonstrating how to wear a samurai’s helmet】
【Folktales were enjoyed by children and the young at heart】
At ECCC we were able to share some of the traditions that inspire and are present in anime and manga. This year the Pop Asia area expanded, doubling in the number of booths and featured an interactive area. We are excited to be a part of Pop Asia as it becomes a destination space at ECCC. The convention will move to March in 2023, and we look forward to seeing you there!