Cel Shaded Jason Yadao

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Anime fun greets year

Happy New Year! It appears that 2008 is getting off to a busy start for local anime fans, so let's dig into the trusty daily planner and see what's going on around town.

This coming weekend in particular is booming with activity. It kicks off on Saturday with Oahu Anime Explorer's first meeting of the year, featuring screenings of subtitled episodes of "Capeta," "Gundam 00," "World's Greatest Disciple Kenichi," "Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei" and "Nodame Cantabile." The meeting will be at the usual site: HMC Academy on 555 N. King St., second floor. (The complex, at the corner of South King Street and Dillingham Boulevard, has a KFC on the corner.) Check out www.oahuanimeexplorer.com.

The big event on Sunday looks to be the annual New Year's Ohana Festival, a celebration of all things Japanese taking place at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii in Moiliili, 2454 S. Beretania St., and nearby Moiliili Field. Both Oahu Anime Explorer and local anime convention Kawaii Kon will have tables at the event, and anime will be screened in the JCCH Gallery Theater.

But don't just go for the anime ... go for the entire cultural experience. Learn about Japanese calligraphy and crafts. Marvel at the bonsai. Enjoy the entertainment. And, of course, EAT SOMETHING! Food's always a highlight of these cultural festivals, after all. Visit jcch.com.

Finally, for those of you more inclined to create your own anime- and manga-inspired art, MangaBento will be meeting at the Academy Art Center, 1111 Victoria St., Room 200. Check with the security guard on the bottom level to confirm the room number. Of course, if you get too caught up in the fun at the Ohana Festival, the group also meets on Jan. 20 and 27 at the same time and location ...

Art contest returns

Speaking of MangaBento, group staff member and Kaimuki High School industrial arts teacher Devin Oishi sent me a heads-up about their annual art contest getting under way. Up for grabs: art supplies and manga-related merchandise.

Once again, the group is seeking submissions in both 2-D and 3-D formats. Two-dimensional artwork, like drawings and paintings, should have dimensions between 8 by 10 inches and 11 by 14 inches; this year, the judges are particularly encouraging the creation of pages of original manga. For 3-D artwork, submit a photo of the overall work and two photos highlighting certain details.

Submissions can be turned in at MangaBento meetings at the Academy Art Center through March 30. (It should be noted that entries will only be accepted during meeting times, as this has nothing to do with the Honolulu Academy of Arts.) Students enrolled in public schools can also submit their work through their teachers and state Department of Education interschool mail to Oishi.

For complete contest rules, visit www.manga-bento.com ...

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