Time and place: October 13-14, 2012 Budapest – Hungexpo
Tickets can be bought beforehand, or at the spot for 2500HUF. Tickets for both days are available for 3800HUF. 1000HUF from the price of the tickets can be used for buying things.

The Saturday program:

The day starts with showing AMV (Anime Music Video) produced by amateur artists. Those interested in Japanese martial arts can later join the showcase of professional jujutsu, ninjutsu and swordsmen. The Mondocon of course would not be a real con without cosplayers, people dressed as their favorite anime character performing a short skit on stage. Another very interesting program awaiting the visitors is the show of the Para Para Fake Starz, who dance this unique dance (para para) originating from Japan from the 80’s, which mainly consists of arm movements. Gaijin, as Japanese refer to foreigners, usually have quite a big problem with the chopsticks that are used for eating, so the chopstick using competition probably has some fun moments in store. Because of Avengers now being a hit in Europe and America, a presentation is due in honor for the supersentai, the superhero teams of the East. Fans of Japanese pop and rock music will also have their fare share of JPOP and JROCK at the karaoke contest and the music video showing. People can even bust a move on the DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) machines.

The Sunday program:

With AMV, DDR, karaoke contests and martial arts showcase, the second day of the Mondocon offers the same variety of programs and same level of amusement as the first one, with few extra activities. The most important of them being the workshop of calligraphists. Japanese calligraphy has a long standing tradition and a favorite pastime activity said to teach discipline for those practicing it. On Sunday, everyone can take a glimpse at the art of “shodo” and it is also possible to try it out.

The must see main events:

On Saturday, starting from 16:30 the newest feature-length computer animated horror 3D movie, Resident Evil: Damnation will be shown. The fight against bioorganic weapons continues in this installment of the Biohazard franchise, returning characters from the hit PlayStation 2 game Resident Evil 4 like Leon S. Kennedy and the mysterious Ada Wong. Anyone who’s into horror, 3D computer animated movies, or loved one of the survivor horror games the movie is based on should go and watch this film.

On Sunday, Mondocon continues the tradition of including a live concert in the program. Shamisen, besides koto, is probably one of the best known Japanese instruments. With a history spanning from the 17th century, shamisen is considered by many to be a traditional instrument, played only by old man nowadays; however, Keisho Ohno is doing his best to contradict that view and make this instrument part of the modern music. With elements of modern pop and rock music incorporated in his unique musical style, Ohno is trying to bridge the gap both between past and the present and between Japan and the West. Starting at 16:00 on Sunday, the Keisho Ohno concert is definitely a worthy event to close this long weekend full of great programs and entertainment.

Although the majority of the attendees will probably be teenagers, and young adults part of this anime generated subculture, anyone is encouraged to mingle and have a look around, as the wide variety of programs cater to the need of non anime fans as well, who are simply interested in some other aspects of Japanese culture.

See you there!

Venue: Hungexpo
Address: 1101 Budapest Albertirsai út 10.

By László Kelemen for XpatLoop.com