How To Pull Off An Anime Party

Pulling off an all out party with a twist of anime and video games is a difficult task. Especially if it involves beautiful catgirls, free sushi and 14 DJ’s! There is only one in Australia who was able to pull such a feat. Enter Neko Nation.

Neko Nation is a new nightclub event that was introduced in Perth, Western Australia in February 2011. They feature DJ’s that specialise in anime and gaming remixes. Including the hottest beats from Japan mainly j-pop, j-rock, j-core and k-pop. Neko Nation features plenty of prizes and competitions for cosplayers and dancers alike. And their signature “free sushi served by catgirls” is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Neko Nation’s last show of the year was held in Adelaide, South Australia at Higher Ground last week Friday. The venue was close to the heart of the city and just a couple of short blocks away from other major bars and clubs. It felt big and exclusive. With our high-tech gear in check we were off to cover the best anime party event of the year.

Upon arrival, we’ve come across the AVCon media crew. Having said this, we knew this party was going to be huge. The Neko Nation staff welcomed us with warm smiles and open arms. Craig the main man behind Neko Nation was there to hand over our media passes which also doubled as drink passes – score! Everyone else was busy running, preparing and getting ready for the night ahead.

At 8PM the doors were open and a wave of cosplayers flocked right in with a bright aura of eagerness and excitement. Everyone was dressed up in their favourite anime and video game characters. A magical moment. It almost felt like going to an anime and video game convention. To top that Miss Pixie and her crew had a stall all setup showcasing their latest one-of-a-kind creations.

Several local cosplayer celebrities and rising stars also made an appearance at Neko Nation namely Miss Olli who was dressed up in a bright red Santa suit and Sarah Martin as Asuka Langley from the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, who took home the award of “Best Fan Service”. Other special mentions include Bec ‘SharkDive’ Popovic as Iron-Man, Pontip as Master Chief, Jadeabella, Emma Cheek and the lovely girls from Team Mahou Shoujo. Everyone looked very kawaii (that’s Japanese slang for cute) and amazing. There’s just not enough room in a single post to list everyone.

There were a total of 14 DJ’s that night featuring their latest and greatest remixes. DJ Korw’s Metal Gear Solid Theme remix was pretty ‘solid’ if you know what I mean. From j-rock to k-pop and meme, it was an endless flow of musical sensation that kept everyone moving to the beat on the massive dance floor.

Different catgirls kept coming out with what seemed like a never ending supply of free sushi. I mean where do they get all this stuff? They must have had a black belt sushi master at the back somewhere. Maybe it was that head bopping Panda? Who knows! It’s a Neko Nation top secret.

And then the awards and prizes were given out to outstanding contestants for Best Dancer, Best J-Fashion, Best Fan Service and Best Cosplay. Although a worthy contender took home the title of “Best Dancer”, my money goes to Saccharine Darling owner of Tokyo Hardcore, who was putting on some mad moves like there’s no tomorrow. Our biggest congratulations goes out to all the winners that night.

No amount of words can express or explain what happened next. You’ll just have to watch the video below and see what Neko Nation is all about. And do stop by our Facebook Page for an awesome set of photos. For more information on Neko Nation and their upcoming 2012 Australian Tour visit their website at www.nekonation.com.

This is how an anime and video game party is done. The Neko Nation way.
Thank you Neko Nation. It was definitely a night to remember.