The MangaKissa foundation was officially founded in May 2009, and since then, MangaKissa has been invited to several conventions throughout the Netherlands to share their vast and still growing collection of (amongst other things) manga, artbooks, and Japanese culture books; conventions like these draw at times as much as 15,000 guests. And what can be better at such a convention than taking some time for yourself by reading, all the while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Japanese cherry tea and a home-baked muffin with colorful glazing on top? Better yet, being able to share this with fellow enthusiasts?

To give an example of MangaKissa's activities at such an anime convention, let's take a look at the largest and by far oldest convention hosted in the Netherlands: Animecon1. This year's version was especially exceptional, and not only because our presence stemmed from a newfound collaboration between MangaKissa and Animecon. We were also opened forty-eight consecutive hours, without so much as a toilet break. By doing this, we provided a genuine convention night program, filled to the brim with conviviality and exciting events.

At 2AM, for example, we hosted a Maid RPG, which proved to be more than successful. Particularly interesting was the fact that around 4AM the amount of visitors in the Kissa peaked, for where the library is frequented during the day, it's at the dead of night when many convention-goers are most active and motivated to socialize and participate in games.

In addition to events like the Maid RPG and a slightly more friendly version of the well-known Japanese game Silent Library, MangaKissa also organizes and hosts various workshops to do with Japan and its culture in one way or another. Take for example our kindling and inspiring Kanji-on-your-T-shirt workshop, during which we offer an introduction the Japanese written language: the syllables in your name will be transcribed phonetically into different kanji, from which you can choose the kanji meanings you most associate yourself with, by our Japanese-speaking crewmember.

And we not only host events and workshops in the Kissa or at conventions, but for other Japan oriented clubs as well, like the Japanese Culture Club Utrecht2 (JPCU). This year only, the Kissa has organized a T-shirt printing workshop (with the participators' very own attempt at kanji calligraphy!), a sushi/onigiri plushie sewing workshop (much to the delight of the Fruits Basket manga fans), and a Japanese TV drama introduction night.

MangaKissa strives to support both individual and collective creativity, be it through drawing or music, or even languages, and does not hesitate to provide the necessary tools for people to unleash their inner muses. Take a look at our free drawing board at the start of a convention day:

And at the end of a convention day:

MangaKissa has many a project planned for 2011, with new games, new workshops, and of course new reading material. Please look forward to it, as do we.

MangaKissa was there:

• Animecon 2010, 2011
• Abunai 2009, 2010, 2011
• Chibicon 2009, 2010
• Haarlemse stripdagen 2010
• MGC 2011
• Museumnacht 2010
• Tsunacon 2010, 2011
• Yaoicon 2010, 2011