So it seems that Philadelphia is starting to blow up with events for the anime/video game fans and Asian culture enthusiasts. Small video game tournaments have been popping up for the video game fans and for the anime lovers and Asian culture enthusiasts…there’s The Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational! Returning for its 11th season, TAKII has hit the scene with only two words for its fans to remember: Stage on!
 |
| A few cosplayers and TAKII attendees posing for a photo shoot. |
For those who don’t know, TAKII is a local Asian culture gathering held at the Rotunda right in the heart of University City. Created by Damien "D-Chan" Christopher, it's been running for 5 years on a bi-yearly basis, reaching its 6th year with its newest installment. Anime fans throughout the city come to this event to meet up with others and embrace their love of all things anime and Japanese on this two day event. And it's not just sitting back and watching anime, there are events ranging from a talent show contest (Asian American Idol), a cosplay competition, live concerts, a video game tournament, and even a rave for all the ravers in the building.
Now, I’ll be honest with you. The first two seasons I attended (Season 9 and 10) were great, the second more than the first. And entering in the Rotunda, I was expecting to have the same, if not a greater, experience this time around. And I can easily say that I wasn’t disappointed this time. From the events, the performances, the video game tournaments, and even the random hilarity that occurred, it just held an air of – for lack of better words – epicness that you couldn’t help but get swept away in.
One of many things that I enjoyed was the Asian American Idol part of TAKII, the otaku talent show that’s one of the highlights of the festival. Contestants showcase their talents to the audience and judges, and then get tested on their vocal, dancing, and improvisation (acting) talents as well. This event is one of the events that you can’t help but cheer, applaud, and laugh at because things have a habit of getting randomly funny. One of those random moments that stood out was when two of the judges performed “Don’t Stop Believing’”, only to have two of the contestants judge them harshly in return. It left the crowd – and one of the actual judges – in tears.
 |
| Sebastian and Ciel waltzing while ElderBerry performed on Saturday's Makenai Concert. |
However, the more memorable moments of TAKII had to be Saturday’s Makenai concert. TAKII legends were out this time to give the crowd a show to remember. From ElderBerry, who performed “Again” by YUI (the opening theme of FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) and had two Black Butler cos-players waltz on stage as she performed, to Mario Bueno performing an English/Japanese performance of Romeo X Juliet’s theme song “You Lift Me Up” and other songs, it was definitely a concert to remember. Add to it a performer by the name of Lanie who did an ASL set for the audience and it was a night to remember.
But the memorable moment of the Makenai concert was when D-Chan, sung an acapella version of “Life is…” by Hirai Ken as a tribute to his family, who were on stage with him as he sung. What that signified…I have to tip my hat to D-Chan on that one.
Sunday was the perfect way to end the entire festival. The Cosplay Competition was a colorful affair, both in costume and actions from the contestants who were definitely in character. And there were some creative costumes, from a Canti cosplayer in a suit, a Team Fortress Sniper, and a pink-haired cat-girl in a kimono. Add in a sword-fight between a Cloud cos-player and another cos-player and you have what was a good contest.
 |
| Contestants of the Cosplay Competition lining up for a photo shoot. |
Following that was an encore performance that Lady AI, another TAKII legend, opened. And when I say opened, I mean that she rocked the house. Especially her last song, “Howl” which had everyone in the room on the feet either dancing, clapping, or howling like wolves. And the return of Mario Bueno, who kept the energy going with “Heart of Sword (Rurouni Kenshin Ending Theme)”, “Colors (Code Geass Theme song)”, and the Power Rangers theme, just set the mood for the final event: the video game tournament.
For space constraints, I won’t go into that much. And I’ll bet that there will be a few people who will be laughing at that statement. The tournament games were Mortal Kombat 2011 and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and the action on both games was insane. The Marvel 3 team tournament, however, was a complete landslide victory for the first team as they completely annihilated their opponents in a Survivor Series type battle. This is not to say that the matches weren’t crazy, just that the second team wasn’t prepared for the first team.
 |
| A cute cat-girl cosplayer posing for a picture!!! |
The one thing that I do enjoy and is probably the main factor that'll keep me coming back to TAKII is the open atmosphere. I stated in my review of TAKII 10 that it feels like a gathering of friends and it still holds true. Everybody is free to be theirselves with no pressure of any kind and no care to what anyone else thinks. You’re just there to enjoy yourselves and that’s all that matters.
Well…that ends my review of TAKII 11 ~ Stage On! ~. While the first season may be over, the second season is still on its way for everyone’s enjoyment. And while I’ll still be laughing over the countless pics and videos that I’ve taken of that event, I’ll be anticipating what happens on October 22nd and 23rd. So mark that down on your calendar as TAKII 12, check out the pics and videos that will be posted up on TAKII 11 on the J1 Studios Facebook Page, and check out the TAKII website for more info: http://takii.pdnmz.com
Hope to see you there next season!
