Introduction to karate, accessory shops, manga sales, video game competition, K-Pop concerts and other dance performances. There was something for everyone at the TGS in Pau on October 1 and 2. An unmissable event for fans of manga and pop culture, the TGS in Pau brought together several thousand people. On Saturday alone, 5,000 people crossed the gates of the exhibition center.
Among them, regulars of the show, delighted to find their favorite exhibitors. “We come here every year, it has become a tradition“, explains Marion, who came with her family. Many even arrived dressed as their favorite manga heroes.. This is called Cosplayers. A show on their own with very colorful costumes and very neat makeup. “The costumes are really super beautiful, we take pictures with people, it’s great“, rejoices Nina, herself wearing cat ears.
– Fanny Narvarte
“People are open-minded”
Like her, many were able to enjoy the good atmosphere. For Flora, it is even a space of expression and freedom. “It’s warm, people are open-minded, less blocked. There is no judgment“. However, it is true that at first glance this universe may surprise the uninitiated.
Guillaume came to accompany his son, Lilian, a manga fan. If he is not familiar with the series that his little boy watches, he still wanted to venture to the exhibition center. “Worth it even for those who are not keen. We come for the atmosphere, the colors and to please the children“, he explains, while Lilian eyeing the katanas, the Japanese swords.
– Fanny Narvarte
Thousands of accessories
Indeed, what also makes this show special are the thousands of accessories sold on site. From a simple t-shirt to a traditional Japanese kimono, including illustrations of all kinds, the offer is multiple. “Lots of stuff to buy and see, it’s crazy” enthuses Tatiana.
But what especially attracted the crowd was the presence of Mitsuhiro Arita, the Japanese illustrator of the famous Pokémon cards. The organizers even had to stop the signing session on Saturday October 1st, there were so many people. A small grain of sand in the smooth running of the show which did not prevent fans and organizers from enjoying the event.