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Anime society goes in style

Back on March 14, 1985, a group of local anime enthusiasts gathered at the Space Castle shop on South King Street to watch "Urusei Yatsura."

The group, which would call itself the Japanese Animation Society of Hawaii, dedicated itself to promoting anime and convincing local stations that it was worth broadcasting on TV. At its peak the group numbered 61 members.

It's pretty safe to say today that JASH's mission has been accomplished. And so it came to pass that 11 people gathered on June 26 for one last party.

Although JASH's remaining members might have been a bit older than the usual teens-to-young-adults demographic associated with fandom these days, their passion for anime remained strong. Whether members admired badges that president Milton Streeter brought back from the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan or commented on the racier aspects of "Ichigo 100%," a spirit of friendship filled the room.

There was much reminiscing as well. When past president Ed Klapproth Jr. showed 1985 and 1986 videotapes of TV coverage of the group, there were many cries of "Hey, remember so-and-so?" and, "I had that!"

Four hours passed quickly, though. And after the credits rolled on the final show screened -- "Yuusha Raideen," a giant robot series from the '70s -- and the last edition of the group's Animeco newsletter was distributed, everyone said what amounted to a big "See you later."

That's because a new group has picked up where JASH left off. More details next week ...

Plan ahead

Recovered from April's Kawaii Kon yet? That's nice, because online registration has opened for the 2006 event, scheduled for April 14-16 at the Ala Moana Hotel. Cost is $30 for a three-day pass, $20 for ages 7 to 13. Artist Alley tables are also available. Head to www.kawaiikon.com and click on the "Registration" link to sign up ...