We’ll be presenting seminars at this anime and J-culture convention!

Storytime From Japanese History
Friday, 10 AM

As the oldest monarchy in the world, Japan’s had plenty of time for some amazing moments in history. Hear a few of the most important, most famous, or most fun—from the Genpei War to the Meiji Revolution, from girl power to magical red cows, from archery contests to smallpox—with illustrations, photos, ties to your favorite anime/manga, and plenty of geekery.

Moar Storytime From Japanese History
Saturday, 9:30 AM

How did an earthquake lead to the development of ramen, and a hostage situation to Cup Noodles? Who went “Gotta paste ’em all!” about religious stickers? Who were the Shitennou before they were Sailor Moon villains? What will you eat at a Buddhist temple, and why is it so good? Come pick up a few more stories and facts from Japanese history!

Road Trip on the Kumano Kodō
Friday, 4 PM

The Kumano Kodō is one of only two UNESCO honored pilgrimage trails in the world, used since the 10th century for physical and spiritual journeys across the Kii peninsula and helping to create a millennium of peaceful religious syncretism. Join a thousand years of ascetics, samurai, emperors, and monks to learn this trail’s cultural history from someone who has hiked it herself.

Saiyuki: History of a Journey to the West
Sunday, 10 AM

From Dragon Ball to Saiyuki, you’ve probably encountered many adaptations of the world’s most popular folk tale. But what’s the real story? Learn the cultural context of the 16th century novel, the stories that came before it, and the true history that inspired them all.