I waited for an hour for the bus.
Hello, I’m Li Hana. I usually work at an animation studio in Japan, while also dedicating time to indie game development and participating in events.
“Summer is the season for events!” This phrase flashed through my mind, how has everyone been lately? Well, this time I, Li Hana, participated for the first time in the “Design Expo,” known as Asia's largest art event.
The Design Expo is based on the concept of “Any original work can be exhibited without review, whether professional or amateur”, and is held twice a year at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. To be honest, before my visit, I had a somewhat naive view of this event, thinking it was just a large-scale merchandise sales fair.
However, this expectation was completely overturned in a good way. The unimaginable scale and crowd, along with the overwhelming amount of information brought by the uniquely rich works encountered at the venue, left me shocked and even a bit dizzy.
This time, although my stay was short, I wanted to document this first experience at the Design Expo and share it as a little report with everyone.
Overwhelming Amount of Information! The Pleasant Chaos Encountered by a Beginner
First of all, before I start the report, I want to say one thing.
“Don’t take the bus to the Design Expo…!”
Perhaps due to my underestimation of the Design Expo, the first moment I realized something was wrong was when the buses I was taking were all full, and I had to give up on several of them.
In the end, I waited for an hour and took nearly twice the expected time to reach the venue, which was already packed with people returning from enjoying the event. Seeing this scene, anxiety arose in my heart, thinking “I might be too late…!” while also having a simple question: “What are all these people gathering here for?”
However, the moment I stepped into the West Exhibition Hall, that question vanished in shock. What unfolded before me was an “overwhelming amount of information.” High-resolution works and products lined up in the illustration area instantly captured my heart. The colorful paintings and designs, along with the endless array of unique booths, made me feel as if I had lost myself in a space completely different from everyday life.
“Where should I even start looking?” When this pleasant chaos finally settled, I realized I had unconsciously circled around the West Exhibition Hall. From cute little products to uniquely designed T-shirts, and even the occasional gigantic live painting mural that surprised me… the Design Expo might be an event with too much stimulation for a beginner like me.
From “Experience” to “Space of Expression” — Different from Game Events
During my exposure to various works, I felt that the decisive difference between the game and animation events I had previously attended was in the way “space” is constructed.
To elaborate a bit, game and animation events mainly focus on “experiencing something” through a clear medium. In game events, while there are many opportunities to interact directly with creators, it is also a continuation of the experience of “playing games.”
However, the Design Expo is different. It embodies the concept of a “place for free expression” advocated by the organizers, a “free space” where anything can be done freely. Of course, merchandise sales are a main component, but this is just one of many forms of expression.
In mural creation, such as live painting, the creators share the moment of creating their works with the audience. The audience watching conveys their thoughts to the creators who are currently creating, engaging in communication. This is no longer just simple appreciation of works. Non-creator audience members also participate, taking on a part of the expression activity. Thinking about it this way, purchasing products from creators you like might also be the simplest and most sincere form of “expression activity.”
Having participated in many gaming and anime events, I have become somewhat stubborn, but this experience truly provided me with a lot of inspiration and opportunities for reflection.
After the festival, looking forward to the next
On a sweltering summer day, although the time was short, I was still able to immerse myself in the afterglow on the train ride back. This design expo was a profoundly vivid experience for me, one that I will remember. Even though this year's summer events have just concluded, I am already looking forward to the next one in November, as it seems there are still many charms yet to be explored.
No matter the industry, every time I attend such events, I ponder the question mentioned in this report: “What exactly brings so many people together in this place?” Sometimes it’s for a beloved work, sometimes it’s to pass the time, and other times it’s to create memories with someone. The reasons vary, but ultimately I believe there is a simple answer: “Because there is something for everyone to enjoy together.”
Recently, I have been busy with the upcoming game development, becoming somewhat distant from other works and industry trends. Encountering the enthusiasm of the design expo at such a time feels like the best motivation for me.
My team at SKOOTAGAMES is also preparing for the upcoming event, and I, Li Hana, will do my best to create enjoyable experiences and spaces together with everyone!