The Akademeia 21st Century, 18 vocational colleges in Japan sends 30 unique and talented students to Anime Expo 2024 at Los Angeles Convention Center from July 4-7 in Los Angeles to provide “The true Cool Japan Experience” to visitors.
This unique experience will allow visitors the opportunity to engage with Japanese culture explained by college students from Japan through a series of student presentations.
Throughout the 4 days, visitors can take part in Emaki or “Living Pictures” whereby the students will dress visitors in kimonos and allow them to pose for pictures against a Tale of Genji-themed backdrop.
The Living EMAKI is created by 30 students from various regions of Japan. The booth offers an immersive experience, giving visitors the opportunity to wear the traditional garb of Heian-era (749-1185) aristocrats.
The Living EMAKI steps into the world of The Tale of Genji, the world's oldest love story. The authentic costumes used at the booth are on loan from Shochiku Costume Co., Ltd. and are rarely worn even in Japan, making this an extremely unique opportunity in Los Angeles.
The Living EMAKI will provide kouchigi robes for women and kariginu robes for men.
Students from a professional training school in Japan will assist in dressing participants in these elaborate kimonos. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and specialized fields, and have gained practical experience through events like “Taste of Japan” in Anaheim in June.
Additionally, Living EMAKI will provide accessories such as cypress fans, eboshi hats, sensu folding fans and tabi socks, ensuring a culturally authentic kimono experience that takes about 10 minutes.
The booth’s picture scroll backdrop is from the Chapter 29 of The Tale of Genji, entitled “Miyuki,” and it is used with the approval of the National Institutes for Cultural Properties.
Enjoy taking photos in front of this impressive panel measuring approximately 10 feet by 30 feet. Kimono dressing sessions will be offered every hour at the venue.
In addition to The Living EMAKI, the Akademeia 21st Century will have five other interactive booths, including Hyakki Yak (“night of 100 monsters”), Tanabata (“star festival”), calligraphy, origami, and Kawaii (Japanese “cute” culture).
The Akademeia 21st Century aims to bring the experience of Japan to Southern California locals.
Event hours of Anime Expo 2024 is: from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday: from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.