Adult anime fans can celebrate their love for the Japanese sub-culture in Mumbai this weekend

Anime fans at a previous edition of the event. Pics Courtesy/Bankaj Beats, Shashank Rawat

Grow up and find a new obsession," one might nudge diehard anime fans who live and breathe the genre. This weekend, they're taking you up on at least one half of that advice. Bankai Beats by engineer-turned event organiser Shashank Rawat will see nearly 300 attendees, all above the age of 18, eat, play and dance into the night to celebrate the much-loved Japanese subculture.

"There are multiple genres of anime like H-anime - which explores explicit plotlines - and Yuri anime, where stories portray same-sex relationships with great sensitivity. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with these genres, many in the community consider it out of bounds at events where minors are in attendance," says Rawat. In pursuit of pleasing a wider audience, Rawat believes many existing conventions and gatherings have diluted the experience for followers of these sub-genres.

Cosplayer duo (from left) Blazing H and Taesha will feature in the contest; (right) DJ Tempura at a performance

At the heart of the event is a ‘casual' cosplay competition open to all. "We aren't asking participants to put on their bulkiest, most extravagant suits. Let's be honest, most fans don't have time for that. The competition is a celebration more than a competitive showdown," the organiser says. Another unusual sight at the party will be pitchers of beer clinking across the room. In accordance with Maharashtra's liquor laws, attendees of legal drinking age can grab a drink of their choice.
They might need the liquid courage, Rawat quips. "Most anime fans are introverts who aren't great at small talk," he admits. A set of ice-breaker games will help the fans make friends. From being paired with strangers and writing an impromptu anime plot, to a voiceover battle where fans will recreate iconic dialogues, the event will aim to nurture a sense of community. An anime debate that pits opposing fan groups against each other has been a great hit at the previous pilot edition, we learn.

The popular Lower Parel venue, known for its live indie gigs, is all in on the experimentation. Along with an in-house menu featuring fan-favourites sushi and ramen, the music is getting a delicious revamp as well. DJ Tempura, a popular masked musician in J-culture circles, will be spinning soundtracks from popular anime series with a side of the emerging genre, J-trap. "Whether you're a diehard purist or a casual watcher, you're invited to the party," Rawat signs off.

Ramen. Pic Courtesy/@socialoffline

ON October 25; 12 pm onwards
AT antiSocial, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel.
LOG ON TO district.in
ENTRY Rs 599 (exclusive of R500 cover charge on entry)