Interview With TAKII's Damien "D-Chan" Christopher

A few months ago, I posted an article here about a local Asian culture gathering called The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational (TAKII for short). Well, after the crazy experience I had there, I wanted to take things a bit further. And with that in mind, I managed to score an interview with the founder and head of TAKII himself, Damien "D-Chan" Christopher. Even though he was busy with planning for the next season of TAKII, he was able to answer a few of our questions. Here's what he had to say:

D-Chan announcing the order of events to a packed house of
TAKII attendees.



- What is TAKII about?

TAKII stands for “The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational” & it is “the most extreme Asian culture fusion festival” in all facets of reality! It promotes the dissonances & harmonies in all of the different facets of Asian culture fandom, giving everyone who attends a true sense of “belonging” to a larger “family”.



D-Chan highlighting one of the
 Asian American Idol contestants,
letting the crowd choose the winner.



- How did TAKII start?



The 1st incarnation of PDNMZ's "The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational ~Ichiban~" was a wonderful way for Prince Diamond's NegaMoon Zone to break into the live event scene & give back to its fans & fans of Asian Music & Anime everywhere. It was held at The William Way LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia, PA on February 5th, 2006. The theme was inspired by SailorMoon SailorStars' 3 Lights (Yaten, Taiki, & Seiya), with the theme song being "Chasin' After You" (by the Three Lights), from the 4th SailorMoon Musical. People who assisted in planning this event were not quite sure how everything was going to go, but we were pleasantly surprised by the turn-out & fun that was had!

- What is your role in TAKII?



I am the Founder, Lead Coordinator, & all-around guest performer of The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational. I am aided by my volunteer group of Co-Coordinators, countless sponsors, & a multitude of fans who personify the spirit that TAKII seeks to promote & preserve.

- What inspired you to create TAKII?



Contestants of the Cosplay competition
 line up for photos.

Wow, this is a good question! After attending my last Otakon (I believe it was 2004), I wanted to fuse what I was doing at home with my Asian online shop (at the time known as PDNMZ CD Shoppe), my love of my own culture (I am part Japanese), & how much fun I saw others having when they got together to celebrate anime, manga, & the like. It was originally intended to be a 1-shot fundraiser for another area event, but as they say, all things happen for a reason (^_^). Combining the efforts of some of my best friends with my creative imagination, we were able to put on one helluva season with TAKII 2 ~Rebirth~, also held at The William Way LGBT Community Center. Ever since we moved to The Rotunda (in the University City section of Philly, PA), things have been lookin’ up -- & we’re reachin’ for the stars with each season of The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational that comes up!

- What is your most memorable moment of TAKII?



My most recent “memorable moment” from The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational would have to be from TAKII 10 ~Family Reunion~. It was meant to be our “fondest memories” season of sorts, & everything that we did that season was just out of this world! When some of our “Returning Legends” performers got up on stage, some to sing for the possible last time, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Prior to that, TAKII 8 ~HoliDAYZE~ was memorable in the sense that it was put together, promoted, & produced in less than 4 days (no one could tell & it was one of our best turn-outs). It’s really hard to single out any particular moment from a particular season. You see, with TAKII, we have a habit of creating MANY “must-see” happenings that you would be a fool to miss!

- What is the best cosplay that you've seen at TAKII?

More shots of the Asian American Idol judging.

I have to admit, the very 1st cosplay that I saw at TAKII (not counting James “KojiroJames” Craven) since we’ve moved to The Rotunda would be this little girl dressed up as Totoro for TAKII 3 ~Video Game Ecstacy~ holds a special place in my heart. Of course, there was TAKII 2 ~Rebirth~ with the “debuting” performance of a Bishoujo Senshi SailorMoon troupe called Prism (in full Sailor Senshi fuku)! Each season just seems to get better & better -- & we have plenty to thank by way of Alicia “Dokudel” Lugo in her continued enthusiasm for this wonderful facet of The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational.

- Do you have any plans for future TAKII events?



We get wonderful suggestions for future TAKII festival seasons, or events! Some of which include: extra seasons of The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational, more stops on our TAKII World Tour, seasonal video game tournaments, cultural excursions, & plenty more. We’re always open to suggestions & the best way everyone can give us them would be to join or ranks as a member of the Team TAKII Coalition. Just visit the “Interaction” section of our website for more info! And of course, The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational is about to hit the Philly area with TAKII 11 ~Stage On!~ this May 2011!!

 

~*~

 

I would like to thank D-Chan for doing the interview for us. You can check out the TAKII website at http://takii.pdnmz.com/ for news, anformation and more regarding TAKII. And don't forget that TAKII 11 will happen this May so be there!!! Until then, minna-sama!!!

 

 -Ray Riley