Traditional and contemporary Japanese culture celebrated at OC Japan Fair in Costa Mesa
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Sheri Foodym admits she procrastinated ahead of the OC Japan Fair’s cosplay competition on Saturday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
“It was super rushed,” the 37-year-old teacher from Irvine — who goes by the handle Cherimage online — said of her costume of Pink, a character from popular indie videogames Undertale and Deltarune. “And I have been recommending that people not do what I did. I stayed up for three days straight over a weekend and got the bulk of it done with literally no sleeping.
She said the bright pink outfit with oversized cat ears, gold bells and matching wand “came out OK.” Judges agreed and crowned her the winner of the contest.
“I’m always very surprised when they call my name, like really me? I’m always shocked. Because look at all these other people and their cosplays!”
She was among hundreds of Japanophiles who celebrated the island nation’s history and culture at the OC Japan Fair held at the OC Fair & Event Center. The gathering was scheduled to run Friday through Sunday, but concerns over potential high winds in the forecast led organizers to cancel the first day of the fall fair.
Jessie Shan set up a booth selling crocheted items on Saturday. She said the cancellation of the first day of the fair did affect her “a little bit, but overall I think it’s fine. Usually Friday’s not that busy.”
“If you like Japanese culture, this is definitely a great place to visit,” Shan added. “There’s all kinds of performers, food and merchandise.”
On Saturday Japanese Pop idols hyped up crowds at one main stage; at another, performers in kimonos and facepaint beckoned attendees to dance. The smell of as many as 60 different dishes like grilled yakitori, tempura fried shrimp and veggies wafted over shoppers browsing through stalls featuring Japanese heirlooms, popular manga and anime titles, and more.
— Licas is a contributor to the Daily Pilot.
