From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Anime Fe st '08

Spotlight On

May 1 2008

AnimeFest, at Southwest Regional Library, 16724 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines, is a celebration of Japanese art and culture, both contemporary and traditional. Here are some of the things you can do at this year's fest.

Saturday

May 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• A performance by the Ronin Taiko drummers, a close-knit family of dedicated members that practice wadaiko, or Japanese drumming. They travel frequently to Japan to train with taiko Sensei (teachers) to further develop their physical and mental discipline, also studying martial arts, dance and theater to enhance their performances.

• A traditional tea ceremony and Japanese arts show shared by the Morikami Museum.

• A sushi-rolling demonstration by Mitsutoshi Sekita of Kuome Japanese Resaurant.

• "Across the World in 16 hours: A Fan's guide to Tokyo," a workshop by Marika Levine, a creative writing and anime instructor.

• "Hidden Treasures of Anime/Manga/Video Games," a workshop by George Pearson from Florida International University.

• A demonstration of free Internet sites to create art and cosplay tips and tricks by Heather Scott, owner of Dragonmun Studios and Comics.

• An Anime/Manga character drawing class led by Demitrius T. Veasy II, an aspiring artist and publisher of his own comic.

• Anime screenings, art exhibits and vendors.

• Video gaming arcades by Noobie Games of North Miami.

• A Kendo/laido demonstration by the South Florida

Kendo Club.

• A cosplay contest with prizes.