Panels and Workshops
The KuroKiiro Festival wouldn't be complete without great panels and workshops! Learn how to do popular Japanese dances, build a model, or get started making costumes of your own. Discover how animation was made in the days before computer generated graphics, then paint a cel to take home. Play Japanese games, tell ghost stories, fold origami, or discuss the real ninja lore behind Naruto - the possibilities are endless!
Check out some of the great panels and workshops scheduled for the 2010 KuroKiiro Festival below!
Ninja - Believe It!
Naruto's one popular guy - but how does his story stack up? We'll examine the world of the popular series and discover the wealth of folklore and real ninja history that went into its making.
KuroKiiro Karaoke
Welcome to karaoke, where YOU are the star! Choose from many popular anime, game, and j-pop tunes. Whether you're singing solo, as part of a group, or you're just coming to listen, there's plenty of fun and laughs to be had!
Kimono Wearing and Essential Information
The essentials of kimono importance, wear, and etiquette (kitsuke). Learning how to dress in kimono from start to finish, along with information on kimono and obi formality and appropriateness.
Everybody Dance
In this panel, we will be learning the popular convention dances, Saikyou Pare Parade and Renai Circulation. We'll take a half hour to teach each dance and then film them for all of Youtube to see! You'll have fun, and be able to show off at any convention!
Awkward Moments in J-Pop Dance History
We'll be exploring the most awkward moves ever used in Jpop dances, and then getting you to do them! We'll teach the moves, give you some practice time, and see who does them best! Small prizes will be awarded for exceptionally good, and exceptionally bad dancers! =]
Study Abroad!
Ever wanted to study abroad in Japan? Well, we've done it! Come hear about our unique experiences with the travel process, choosing a school, living in Japan, and much more!
Japanese Food
We're back! Learn about traditional Japanese food with a focus on traditional festival foods! We'll also be serving samples of all sorts of delicious foods and drinks. Please join us for the third time to learn about food, restaurants, and Asian grocers here in Pittsburgh, and how they match up to the real deal.
J-pop vs. K-pop (dance!)
Join us to learn some J-pop moves and compare it to another type of dance - Korean pop dance! See about how Japan's pop culture fits in with another country’s dance scene. Dance is a requirement in this classroom! Then battle it out and decide which style wins.
Para Para for Beginners
Can you Para Para? Do you even know what that means? Whatever you answer, join us to learn two fun para dances: even those with two left feet will be dancing! By the end of the festival, you’ll be able to impress your classmates with your fun-filled para para routines.
Introduction to Anime Music Videos
Ever wonder how much work it really takes to make an AMV? And where can you go to find great fan-made videos featuring shows you love? Join us for this general introduction to anime music videos, editing, and the anime music video community.
So You Want To Be An AMV Judge?
If you've ever been curious as to why your favorite AMV didn't win a judge's award while another video did, you won't want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the differences between judge and audience voting.
Ball Jointed Doll (BJD) Photoshoot
A simple how-to get wonderful photos of your tiny friends. Props and clothes will be provided. Props will work with 1/6th scale and 1/4th scale, a few could possibly work for 1/3rd scale. Bring your camera, but a semi-professional one will be there.
Anime Club Summit
Come discover how to start, maintain and improve an anime club in a group discussion. Members, leaders, and future leaders welcome!
Cosplay 911!
Learn how to make those quick fixes when your costume malfunctions on the convention floor. Sometimes cosplay emergencies aren't avoidable, but you'll also pick up some tips for staying proactive to reduce the chances of your costume falling apart.
How Not To Be "That Guy"
Virtually everyone knows someone who is "that guy". He's almost always a loner. In extreme cases he might even be a hikikomori. If you don't know someone who is, "that guy", chances are better than average that you are the someone. Don't worry, we're here to help.
We will be discussing social graces, good examples of proper hygiene and dress, as well as bad habits to avoid.
We might not be able to help everyone, but we just might help you make friends and influence people...
Name That Tune
The game of musical knowledge is back and better than ever. Players picked straight from our audience compete against each other for cool swag and the right to face the Golden Medley for fabulous prizes. Can you Name That Tune?
Tokusatsu Through The Times
Fan of the Power Rangers? Love watching those subtitled Kamen Rider or Super Sentai series, or do you just want to learn more? Tokusatsu, literally "special effects", has come in many forms over the years from Godzilla to the Power Rangers and many more. Learn more about how the genre started, its journey through the decades, and how it has transformed since then. Whether you're brand new to the fandom or a long-time fan, tokusatsu has something for everyone.
Pokemon Battles 101
Pokemon Battles 101 is here to teach you the basics on how to make that great team of Pokémon out of your favorite monsters or out of the best of the best.
Designing Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Ever wanted to make your own tabletop roleplaying game? Learn how to format your ideas, design an engaging world, write mechanics that will keep players interested, run and analyze playtests, and learn about the statistical differences between dice rolling methods.
Lolita Fashion: The Dos and Dont's
Come and learn about how to become a lovely Lolita from the experienced Pittsburgh Gothic and Lolita Fashion group. We will teach you how to build a wardrobe, where to buy, and what to avoid, as well as discussing the process of making your own pieces and creating coordinates.