Get To See Japanese Voice Artistes at #CharaExpo2015

The press conference held at Sony’s 313 Somerset Store. CharaExpo 2015 showcases top anime, manga and cosplay talent for the first time in Singapore.

Aimi is one of the special guests attending the Chara Expo 2015
Aimi is one of the special guests attending the Chara Expo 2015

Leading Entertainment Company, Bushiroad Inc. has announced an impressive line-up of events and multiple guest appearances that will occur at the inaugural CharaExpo 2015, to be held 20–21 June 2015 at Hall 7 at Singapore EXPO. As the first major convention featuring Japanese content to be held in Singapore, the organisers are expecting to attract some 20,000 visitors.

From L to R: Takaaki Kidani (Bushiroad's President and CEO), Aimi (voice talent), , Kaname Tezuka (CEO of New Japan Pro-Wrestling) and  Kenjiro Ogino (Albirex Niigata Soccer Player)
From L to R: Takaaki Kidani (Bushiroad’s President and CEO), Aimi (voice talent), Kaname Tezuka (CEO of New Japan Pro-Wrestling) and Kenjiro Ogino (Albirex Niigata Soccer Player)

 

CharaExpo 2015 will feature leading names from the Japanese manga, anime, games and cosplay industry. Luminaries include the anime creators, Akio Watanabe (Grisaia no Kajitsu, Bakemonogatari) and Masami Obari (Gravion, Cardfight!! Vanguard); voice artists such as Izumi Kitta (Milky Holmes, Cardfight!! Vanguard)
and Aimi (Cardfight!! Vanguard, Future Card BuddyFight); along with famed cosplayers Kaname, Sin Izumi and Tatsumi Inui and the all-stars of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling team.

 

Takaaki Kidani elaborated on his vision for the event
Takaaki Kidani elaborated on his vision for the event

Bushiroad Inc’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Takaaki Kidani elaborated on his vision for the event: “We have witnessed rapid growth in the anime community in this region and know that we have a ready fan base that is passionate about all aspects of this kind of Japanese content. CharaExpo will bring the top content developers, animators, celebrities, fans and titles deep into this region to grow and support this amazing community. Budding artists and developers will also have the opportunity meet and interact with top Japanese companies that will be sharing their experience in the industry.”

 

 

Event Details 

Date: 20 – 21 June, 2015 (10:00am – 6:00pm)

Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 7

Entry Fee: $6 (Early-Bird Special), $8(On-Site)

 

Tickets are available at the following channels: 

– SONY stores in Singapore (313@Somerset, IMM, Bugis and NEX outlet)

– Peatix Online Ticketing System (http://chara-expo2015.peatix.com)

Want to see more photos on the press conference, click https://flic.kr/s/aHskc3pBHJ. Check up hashtag #charaexpo2015 for more updates.

National Gallery Singapore Unveils the Serious Side of the Queen of Comedy Kumar Chinnadurai in the My Masterpiece Series

Singapore, May 2015 – The circles of art and comedy have never come closer, as the National Gallery Singapore names the renowned Singaporean comedian, Kumar Chinnadurai for its My Masterpiece series. Kumar is fifth in the line-up of local personalities in the My Masterpiece campaign which was launched in January this year. Among them are popular MediaCorp actress Joanne Peh, celebrity chef Willin Low, distinguished writer Professor Edwin Thumboo and award-winning director Anthony Chen.

 

“I am honoured to be part of the My Masterpiece campaign. I believe it is important for the National Gallery to make art in all its forms accessible to the people in Singapore,” said Kumar. The attraction of Kumar to the masterpiece “Wounded Lion (c.1839),” by the prominent modern Indonesian artist Raden Saleh, was sparked by the realistic and dramatic expressions in the painting that resonated deeply and powerfully with the comedian.

 

“If you look at the painting carefully, the lion is actually not roaring mightily but is growling in pain. A broken spear sticks out from its back, which goes to show how much force it must have been hit with,” said Kumar. In the video that will go live on the National Gallery’s Facebook on 13 May, Kumar expressed how the artwork evokes the struggles he has encountered away from the spotlight, “I went through a very bad past. But I moved on like the lion baring all its teeth, pushing on and fighting the world to be who you are. There can be so much pain, but also so, so much power that comes out from all the battles we face in life.”

One of Southeast Asia’s pioneering modern artists, Raden Saleh was considered the first modern artist from Indonesia, his realistic renditions of animals and battle scenes earned him recognition not only in Southeast Asia but also in Europe.

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“Wounded Lion (c 1839) ” by Raden Saleh

 

For the rest of the year, the Gallery will continue to unveil significant artworks which encompass diverse periods, marking key moments in the art histories of Singapore and Southeast Asia. The artworks were created by pioneering artists from the region and personally chosen by 12 local personalities who, in their own way, felt a connection with these artworks. Through this collaboration, the Gallery aims to introduce modern art of Southeast Asia and Singapore to the masses.

Educating and Inspiring Singaporeans

My Masterpiece is the first of an exciting lineup of initiatives and activities that will bring Singaporeans closer to their arts heritage leading up to the opening of the National Gallery Singapore in October 2015.

The Gallery aims to capture the artistic spirit of Singapore and Southeast Asia. By sharing stories of our region’s distinctive art within the global context, we seek to be a leading visual arts institution that inspires and engages our people and our neighbors, creating a dialogue between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world. The Gallery also seeks to encourage a deeper appreciation of art, and foster a greater sense of national and cultural pride.