Those who joined us last year at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens will remember the J-pop Lounge at the Osbourne Garden, where we hosted a big part of the Sakura Matsuri thanks to a huge collaboration with the New York Anime Festival.

In addition to the classic Japanese Tea Ceremony, the live performances from Japanese pop star Ai Kawashima and Samurai Soul Sword (just to name the first hour of showtime) as well as live interviews by Samurai Beat Radio. We ended up having a fun time.

Well, we’re DOING IT AGAIN!

Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd: save the date.

I will be working/hosting some events at the Sakura Matsuri and we have got plans. Mario Bueno, whom many of us remember from AniFusion and every major cosplay masquerade for the past four years, has some ideas brewing, and we are going to keep our promise by upping the ante this year. Details to come as they develop, but I’m excited to return to such a major event in one of the most scenic locations in Brooklyn.