It is that time of year for Tampa Natsumatsuri, the Japanese Summer Festival that authentically recreates a traditional Japanese Festival in Tampa. This was the first time at night from 6pm - 9pm. I assumed my usual job of judging the cosplay contest. 2016 was a great turn out with lots of artisans, craft makers, and dealers selling ceramics, paintings, vintage kimono, and anime goods. Renny's Oki Doki food truck supplied visitors with traditional Okinawan cuisine. Also for those with a sweet tooth, Kona Ice provided shaved ice.
There were a variety of events such as the UF Japanese Club showing off fancy dance moves.
Energetic dancers danced to traditional music. This was followed by an Aikido demonstration.
Next was a lively Kenjutsu, sword demonstration.
My event, the cosplay contest, was rapidly approaching in the evening. As is usually the case, cosplayers do not sign up until the last minute. We had two people signing up just as the contest was beginning and that caused the MC to have to keep speaking to stall for time. Soon we were actually started. We recruited an audience member to have three judges in the event of a tie.
Here were the lovely contestants.
This was a really easy contest to judge because one cosplayer put so much detail into her costume and really brought her character to life.
And the winner is...
...who received the Grand Prize, a 4-day pass to Tampa Bay Comic Con.
2nd Place also had a great look.
She got a Gurren Lagann DVD box set.
At 3rd Places were these two ladies who demanded to cosplay together. They won two free anime shirts. They had a great look, however they were not based on any anime characters. So that being the case, third place was the best option.
The last event was the Raffle with local vendors donating many quality prizes. IACE Travel contributed the grand prize, free tickets to Universal Studios in Orlando.
It was a fun festival this year, with many JET alumni taking pictures together, catching up with old friends, and making new ones. I walked out with Jesse and Hiromi and another successful festival was over.
