Japan

Ahhh, springtime in the city-how I love thee. We’re highlighting two events that appeal to day-trippers and nighthawks alike. The first is Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s 30th Annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival April 30 – May 1. The all-ages, 2-day event celebrates traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through live performances, art workshops and exhibits and tree gazing the BBG’s ever-impressive cherry blossom garden. The New York Anime Festival staff will be at the event to say hello, hand out prizes throughout the day and conduct a haiku contest! We’ll select the 2 best haikus, 1 from the Sakura Matsuri entries and 1 from Twitter participants (the official hashtag is #nyafhaiku). Each winner will receive a bag of goodies including DVDs, books and tickets to attend the New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con.

If you’d rather stay away from nature’s allergies, check out Japan Society’s Uki Uki Nights Drink, Dance & Cosplay party going down May 8 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. It’s a sassy mix of dance, art exhibit, cosplay parade and prize giveaways courtesy of our own New York Anime Festival’s Apple Kissa Maid Café attendants! This event is also free to attend, not too shabby!

Speaking of whimsical class at conventions, Apple Kissa is drafting new maids and butlers to help out at New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con. Speak to Nikki (she’ll be at both events) to get the latest on the application requirements.