Embrace Japanese culture at Rugby Art Gallery event

Visitors can enjoy a host of kawaii-themed activities, including manga and anime drawing workshops, a mini-cosplay workshop and cosplay contest, and a workshop hosted by artist Mikiko Minewaki, whose work features in the Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Kawaii - Crafting the Japanese Culture of Cute.

The Kawaii Event Day runs from 11am to 2.30pm and also includes plushie making, makeovers for nails and make-up, and cupcake decorating hosted by Cakes Fabulous Cakes.

The cosplay (costume play) workshop, hosted by cosplayer Blissfulbanana, gives visitors the chance to find out how to create costumes inspired by favourite Japanese kawaii, anime and manga characters.

The cosplay contest - with categories for under and over tens - starts at 1pm with the creator of the best costume in each category receiving a trophy and a bundle of kawaii merchandise.

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for culture, said: “The Kawaii Event Day rounds off the Art Gallery and Museum’s busy SMART half-term holiday programme and offers plenty of free activities to keep youngsters entertained.

“It’s also a great opportunity to visit the Kawaii - Crafting the Japanese Culture of Cute exhibition and explore all the Art Gallery and Museum has to offer.”

Kawaii - meaning cute - has a pivotal role in Japanese culture, influencing street fashion, advertising, film and television.

Kawaii - Crafting the Japanese Culture of Cute, a collaboration between Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and the University of Creative Arts, features pieces inspired by kawaii and created from traditional Japanese crafts.

The exhibition runs at the Art Gallery until Saturday, April 2.

Rules for the cosplay contest can be found at www.ragm.co.uk

Places at the cupcake decorating sessions - which run every half hour - cost £5 (for two cakes) and must be booked in advance by calling (01788) 533201.

For more information about events and exhibitions at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk