Come say ‘hi’ at Doki Doki – the Manchester Japanese Festival!

As a proud northerner, I love any excuse to escape the big smoke and come back to Manchester!

Thankfully, Doki Doki seem to recognise this too and I’ve been invited back to the next Manchester Japanese Festival as a speaker… and host! Yes, apparently I’m trusted enough to host two panels this year.

Doki Doki (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November) has been running for a few years now and this year is going to be an Official Event of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-20. Whether it’s culture, film screenings, cosplay or dance there’s plenty to suit all tastes.

The action takes place in the Sugden Sports Centre, not far from Piccadilly train station, and there will also be an after party next door co-hosted by Manchester University’s Animation Society (MUAS).

There are two confirmed film screenings – Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms and Mirai, both of which are amazing. I reviewed Maquia last year so you can check that out for a preview.

I first discovered the mad world of conventions when I was about seventeen and wish Doki Doki had been around when I was younger (not least because it would have been easier to get to)! My hardcore three day convention and cosplay days are very much behind me but it really helped me with my confidence, make some great friends and – without exaggerating – made me who I am today. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or newbie, I recommend popping along to Doki Doki and saying ‘hi’!

Here’s where you can find me over the weekend…

Saturday:

Traditional Japanese Culture Panel (1pm-2pm) – hosting

Sunday:

Travel to Japan Panel (11.50am-12:50pm) – panellist

Japanese Pop Culture Panel (1.10pm-2.10pm) – panellist

Blogging Japan Panel (2.40pm-3.40pm) – hosting

You can check out the full event line up here.

In case you were wondering why I’ve been silent on the blogging front for some time, it’s because I’ve been working flat out on writing a novel! It’s near the point where it’s ready to send off into the wild but I’m planning to start on the next one afterwards, so Twitter is the best place to find me for now.