Running through Ikebukuro are many railway lines and every day over 2.5 million people board the trains in Ikebukuro, making it one of the three major districts in Tokyo. Lined with commercial and cultural facilities, the pleasure quarter of Ikebukuro sees roughly 1 million visitors a day. Including Otome Road, a street densely packed with shops that sell doujinshi and otaku goods intended for females, the city has a deep connection to otaku content.
Cinemachi Festival is an event that was held mainly in Ikebukuro Park located in the center of Ikebukuro as well as at five theaters and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space. In addition to screenings of the complete Madoka Magica movie trilogy and the TV series K, there was a special screening of the first part of Persona 3 the Movie and more offering fans an undeniable and luxurious time. Along with each screening there were also talk shows among the voice cast and special talks with the directors. Also included were experiments making full use of Ikebukuro’s theaters and shops including a classical Madoka Magica concert and an event to promote interaction between anime fans.
Mr. Suzuki of the Cinemachi Festival Executive Office commented, “For the duration, we were not blessed with good weather and it continued to rain. However, the event included stage performances and many people participated. No one at the event was injured, and this project that relied on the truly passionate hearts of those in the neighborhood ended without a hitch.”
Mr. Sasaki, the head of the Cinemachi Festival Executive Committee said regarding his hopes for the next event, “I want to arrange for the systemization of the event management structure and continue holding the Cinemachi Festival.” He then appealed to fans, saying, “Anime is receiving high attention from France’s Annecy and from The Tale of Princess Kaguya being screened at international film festivals. We aimed to create a place where these kind of anime works can be freely enjoyed. Those who are interested, please come next time.”
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.