Imperial Hotel turns Japanese

Walking Avatars giving away free sushi saw Anime fans out in force last week as NekoNation brought Japanese gaming to Sydney’s Imperial Hotel.

“It was a party aimed at Anime fans,” said NekoNation Manager, Craig Backshall. “There was costume play and people came dressed as their favourite Anime character to show their respect to the culture.

“The night was really about everybody who shares the same interests getting together and having a good time.”

NekoNation first started out as an experimental club night in Perth in 2011, where the popular character known as a ‘Neko’ (Japanese for ‘cat’) was celebrated. Two years later the subculture has over 500 fans who attend parties hosted around the country.

“Anime fans generally feel threatened and intimidated by the normal clubbing scene, they wanted something more chilled out,” said Mr Backshall.

Last Saturday night’s event set out to prove that clubbing and Anime – two traditionally opposite activities – could not only co-exist, but prosper. “There’s a stereotype that people who love Anime usually want to sit at home in their basements – NekoNation proves that wrong,” said Mr Backshall.

The night included free Sushi, DJ’s remixing Anime themes and sexy cat-girls. Anime-inspired cocktails were also on hand as well as prizes to those who dressed up.

Mr Backshall said Japanese gaming has a distinct appeal that fellow fans have been exposed to since childhood.

“Growing up, we all had an exposure to Japanese culture. The most famous would probably be Pokemon. Now with the internet, this culture is easier to access which helps us to pursue the interest,” he said.

NekoNation supporter, Rachel McLaughlin, said the popularity of Anime stems from its universal appeal. “Anime is cartoons for adults with slightly more detailed storylines, while Japanese cartoons are targeted towards everybody rather than just children,” she said.

“I first got involved when I saw the Perth event and I thought that was such a cool idea. I tried to find a venue in Sydney and got lucky when I heard we were heading to the Imperial Hotel.

“I’m a big fan of NekoNation; I love what they’re offering fans as there has always been a viable crossover between the introverted aspects of Anime and the extroverted elements of club culture. I think we’re blending the two really successfully.”