Otakukon, Zimbabwe’s premier anime and gaming convention, made an exciting impact at the recently concluded Shoko Festival in Harare, adding a unique blend of gaming, cosplay, and creative workshops to the vibrant annual event. The convention participated on the second day of the festival as part of the Green Cities Expo, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable urban living, and it brought something fresh to the festival: an interactive gaming experience and a cosplay prop-making masterclass. Otakukon’s involvement was in collaboration with Oxfam, Gaming Hub ZW, and Cosplay ZW, and it delivered a thrilling showcase that celebrated pop culture with a focus on creativity and collaboration. Having Otakukon at Shoko Festival 2024 was the collaboration we didn’t know we needed.
First Time Gaming Partnership
Otakukon’s gaming segment was one of the highlights of the day, offering festival-goers an immersive experience in the world of video games. In partnership with Gaming Hub ZW, the interactive gaming zone allowed participants to engage with popular titles and explore new ones, offering a much-needed dose of entertainment for both avid gamers and newcomers. The gaming experience was designed to be inclusive, featuring a mix of competitive and casual games, and it provided a space where attendees could connect, compete, and share in the joy of gaming.
For many at Shoko Festival, the gaming experience offered by Otakukon was a welcome escape into virtual worlds, providing a platform for Zimbabwe’s gaming community to showcase its talents and passions. The collaboration with Gaming Hub ZW also emphasized the growing importance of gaming culture in Zimbabwe, highlighting the potential for gaming as a tool for education, social connection, and even green advocacy, aligning with the broader goals of the Green Cities Expo.
A Cosplay Masterclass to Remember
Another major attraction was Otakukon’s cosplay prop-making masterclass, run in collaboration with Cosplay ZW. We we able to get the winner of the Zimbabwe Cosplay Championship, Ota_Sensei to come in to show us how to make a prop. As cosplay continues to grow in popularity across Zimbabwe, the masterclass offered festival-goers a rare opportunity to learn the intricate art of creating props and costumes. The class was designed to be hands-on, with participants getting the chance to craft their own props using sustainable materials, a nod to the environmental focus of the Green Cities Expo.
Led by local Gabriel Ota, the masterclass guided participants through the creative process, from concept to construction, demonstrating how everyday materials can be transformed into fantastic props for cosplayers. This session not only appealed to cosplay enthusiasts but also to anyone with an interest in DIY and creative expression. By incorporating an element of sustainability into the workshop, Otakukon and its collaborators underscored the importance of environmentally-conscious practices in creative industries. The masterclass included the making of Minato’s Kunai, a weapon from the Naruto-verse.
We thought this would be really easy, but most of the participants left with a greater respect for cosplayers and the level of detail required to actually put cosplayers together. Surprisingly, although the resources needed were easy to get, cardboard, tape and glue…it proved to be a huge challenge and we lost a lot of participants along the way. Only a handful were able to complete their kunai, the popular tik toker @Paulnc being one of them. We look forward to trying this again as it proved to be a great interactive process.
Collaboration with Oxfam and the Green Cities Expo
Otakukon’s participation was part of the larger Green Cities Expo, an initiative championed by Oxfam to promote sustainable urban development. Otakukon’s contributions aligned with the Expo’s theme by emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly practices in gaming and cosplay. From using recycled materials in cosplay prop-making to highlighting the growing potential of green gaming technology, Otakukon showed how pop culture can contribute to environmental advocacy.
The partnership with Oxfam also created a space for dialogue around how pop culture conventions like Otakukon can play a role in addressing sustainability challenges. The fusion of environmental awareness with gaming and cosplay at Shoko Festival offered a new perspective on how creative communities can support sustainable living in Zimbabwe’s urban centers.
This is the second year running that Otakukon has participated in the Green Cities Expo. We are very happy to be part of the larger conversation around how to increase awareness around recycling and upcycling through cosplay. Otakukon appreciates that anime is growing and cosplaying on a budget is something that appeals to a lot of people and we think marrying the two is a great opportunity. Ultimately, we will be looking ta ways to offer and better and more interactive and educational session if we get another chance to work with the team at Shoko Festival, Gaming Hub zw and Oxfam.
Conclusion
Otakukon’s presence at Shoko Festival’s Green Cities Expo was a resounding success, offering a dynamic mix of gaming, cosplay, and sustainability-focused activities. Additionally, through its collaborations with Oxfam, Gaming Hub ZW, and Cosplay ZW, Otakukon not only entertained festival-goers but also contributed to important conversations about sustainability and creativity. The event was a testament to the power of pop culture to inspire, educate, and bring communities together.