Join us for a Manga style sketching workshop. Turn yourself into any cartoon character you can imagine like a ninja, mecha pilot, adventurer, or fairy mermaid princess. Explore distant lands or even outer space. Discover Yokai, the fantastic creatures of Japanese mythology. Get some pointers on drawing dragons. All skill levels are welcomed as instructor can adjust and tailor the sketching exercises for each student. Typically instructor will draw a cartoon portrait of each attending student as a demo and example, and students are encouraged to design a second version of their own. Alternatively they are welcome to use my design, and start creating some comics with them. Other activities include “Challenge” exercises, where a student gets a partial drawing or layout and they have to complete it”.

Free Japanese Cuisine, Japanese Folk Dancing, Games, Live Music, and More
In celebration of its Japanese heritage, Daikin America is providing a Japanese-style festival for the communities in North Alabama.Attendees are encouraged to wear their happi coats and participate in the Japanese folk dances. Happi coats are cloth jackets, or robes, usually containing an emblem, family crest, or logo on the back, and are worn on festive occasions. Live music includes country, Cajun, rock & roll, big band, and traditional Japanese music, and each year, Daikin employees will entertain by playing the Japanese Taiko Drums.Along with traditional festival food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and soft drinks, guests are treated to Cajun jambalaya, barbeque sandwiches, and Japanese Yakisoba, a stir-fried mix of noodles, cabbage, carrots, and beef. All food and drinks are free of charge. In addition to free parking around the fairgrounds, free round-trip shuttle service will be provided to the fairgrounds from Decatur Mall and Austin High School.Displays consist of a product exhibit where guests can learn more about what Daikin-America produces. Other displays include the Daikin Homestay Program, a program where area students and teachers travel to Japan for a two-week stay. Free tethered hot-air balloon rides are also available, weather permitting.