Brewery Bunkasai Event Starts Tomorrow

Japanese culture fans in and around Cumbria have the opportunity of taking part in a Japanese festival named Brewery Bunkasai which takes place at the The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria (Lake District) from the 8th to the 15th of July.

The festival website details some of the events which includes workshops for adults and children, movies, anime, making manga, and food. Films that will be screened at the festival range from Ghibli titles like Howl’s Moving Castle and Arrietty to J-horror landmarks like Audition and Ring to classic anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell with many other titles including Sion Sono’s incredible film Himizu.

Here are some more details:

Exhibitions
 
Takao Saito Exhibition – 9th July – 3rd September – Sugar Store Gallery Free Admission
The Brewery will host the first exhibition in the UK of the work of Takao Saito (Golgo 13, Master Thief Sugar and Shadow Hunters and ce Survival, which has recently gained a new audience following the devastating effects of the Japanese tsunami in 2011. The Brewery exhibition will feature original drawings and giclee prints of Saito-sensei’s work, along with merchandise and commemorative items inspired by and linked to Saito-sensei’s influential career.
 
Kayo Nakamura – Manga for Lakeland – 9th – 16th July – Warehouse Café Free Admission
Emerging manga artist, Kayo Nakamura, is working with the Brewery to create a brand new Manga graphic novel inspired by the Lake District. During her residency, Kayo-san will explore the famous and not so well-known parts of Cumbria seeking inspiration for her novel. The novel will be published via the Brewery website (www.breweryarts.co.uk) in September 2012. During her residency explore Kayo Nakamura’s work in an exhibition showing work created in Japan and some of the material inspired by the Lake District. She will also lead workshops within schools and as part of the Bunkasai. Kayo-san is a student at the renowned Kyoto Seika University Faculty of Manga and has worked as an assistant to Manga artist Sakura Sawa (author of Manga such as “Kabuki Iza”), and has received awards in national Manga contests such as the 14th Koshien Manga Contest and the 13th Shinjin Oneko Manga Grand Prix.  
 
Key Note presentation
Thursday 12th July 7pm Theatre Tickets: £8 Incl. film
Followed by a choice of screenings from: Golgo 13, Tatsumi or Howl’s Moving Castle
 
Mikio Shibata is the head of Takao Saito’s publishing company, Leed, and is at the cutting edge of modern Manga. In his only presentation in the UK, Shibata-san will explore current trends in Japanese Manga, developments in digital publishing and the links between Japanese Manga and other media, including gaming and film.
This is a unique chance to find out more about modern Japanese Manga by one of the people responsible for its current development.
 
Following the presentation we offer you a choice of screenings:
The Professional: Golgo 13 (based on the character created by Takao Saito), Tatsumi (detailing the life and work of Manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi), or Howl’s Moving Castle (from Studio Ghibli).
 
 
Anime and Film

8th – 15th July – Screen Two & Warehouse Cinema
Brewery Cinema is proud to present an exciting programme of family-friendly anime from the world-renowned Studio Ghibli, including: Ponyo, Arrietty, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, and classic Anime feature films from Manga Entertainment Ltd: Akira and Ghost in the Shell. Thursday’s Keynote Presentation will be followed by a choice of three screenings: Saito-sensei’s creation – The Professional: Golgo 13*, Tatsumi, or Howl’s Moving Castle. Bunkasai also presents J-horror and Japanese cinema from Takashi Miike (Audition and 13 Assassins) and ‘Beat’ Takeshi Kitano (Zatoichi and Battle Royale). If this isn’t enough for all you Japanophiles out there, Bunkasai is proud to present a special feature-length preview screening of the latest installment of the internationally acclaimed Fullmetal Alchemist series – Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos.
 
See a Bunkasai double-bill and enjoy the taste of traditional Japanese food between film screenings from the Warehouse Cafe!
 
*(The Brewery has been given a special theatrical presentation license from Leed to present Golgo 13 in a UK cinema)

 
Japanese Street Food

Warehouse Café 9th – 15th July 9am – 5pm
The Warehouse Cafe will be the hub of the festival serving two classic Japanese street foods: Ramen Noodles and Okonomiyaki Pancakes throughout the festival. Provided with expert advice from Japanese cooks, our chefs will prepare these dishes to order. Both are the perfect way to experience authentic Japanese flavours.
 
 
Manga Workshops – Developing Skills
 
Junior Workshops with resident Manga artist Kayo Nakamura
 
Manga pen techniques – Fri 13 6-8pm £3.50 Art Room 2 (for +15yrs)
An introduction to the art of Japanese Pen Techniques for those just beginning to explore Manga.
 
An Introduction to drawing Manga – Sat 14 & Sun 15 10.30am-12pm £3.50 Art Room 2 (for 7-12yrs)
A beginner’s half-day junior workshop exploring how to create Manga characters and page layout.
 
Using a Manga pen – Sat 14 1pm-2.30pm £3.50 Art Room 2 (for 7-12yrs)
Master the art of drawing Manga using authentic Japanese art pens.
 
Backgrounds and effects in Manga – Sun 15 1pm-2.30pm £3.50 Art Room 2 (for 7-12yrs)
Kayo-san will offer insights into bringing your characters to life with techniques and tips used by the professionals.
 
 
Master-class Workshops…

£5 per session | Master-class offer: £20 for all 4 sessions + 1 film ticket – Workshops, led by experienced Manga artist and tutor Gavin Pollock, that will develop the skills of those already creating their own Manga and comics. The workshops can be enjoyed separately or as a series. The starting point for all the workshops is the lyrics from your favourite song – please bring these along to your first workshop. These workshop are ideal for anyone over 13 years of age and spaces are limited to just 15 people per workshop, so early book early to avoid disappointment.
 
Character and Place in Manga – Sat 14th 12pm – 2pm Art Room 1
The most popular characters in Manga are instantly recognisable but at the same time anonymous, like Batman or Spider-man. Place is also important, to create identity and uniqueness. Using Sketchup and other techniques explore how to develop these key elements of great Manga.
 
Layout and Design in Manga – Sat 14th 3pm – 5pm Art Room 1
This workshop will explore the importance in Manga of starting with an establishing shot and thinking like a film director. The importance of location shots and close ups to drive the story, will also be explored.
 
Research and Sourcing for Manga – Sunday 15th 12pm – 2pm Art Room 1
There’s no such thing as cheating in Manga! Using techniques like photo reference, models and computer trickery, this workshop will explore ways to bring your artwork alive.
 
Publishing Manga – Sunday 15th 3pm – 5pm Art Room 1
The problem for a lot of Manga artists is getting their work out there and read. This workshop will explore how to publish your work on the internet and finding an audience.
 
Workshops for Adults…

These workshops are designed to introduce classic Japanese art forms and are ideal for students + 16 years.
 
Japanese Ink Painting Thurs 14th July 10am – 4pm £30.00 Art Room 1
– A practical workshop with an introduction to the techniques and methods of ink painting.

Raku Ceramics 3x Wednesdays 27th Jun / 4th Jul / 18th Jul 1pm-4pm £15/£24/£30 Art Room 2
– An introduction to the ceramic art of quick-firing and crash- cooling.

Japanese language for beginners Saturday 28th 10.30am-4.30pm £27.00/£21.60/£13.50
– Friendly one-day workshop for beginners taking a first step.

For more information on the event an to find out how to book tickets, please visit the site.