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J-FASHION COMMUNITY EVENTS
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Registration Hours
The Registration Desk is located at Garden Level at the base of the stairway, in front of the Spring Room and Imperial Ballroom. We will be open for badge pickup and single-day badge purchases for the following hours:
Friday 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Special Registration
Vendors, volunteers, panelists, and VIP shopping hour holders may pick up their badges at Special Registration, located at Garden Level in front of the elevators.
Friday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Info Desk Hours
The Info Desk is located on the Lobby Level in the foyer of the Sakura Room. The Info Desk handles the following:
Coordinate Contest Sign-Ups
Scavenger Hunt
Event schedules and Venue Maps
Lost and Found
Panelist Check-In
The Info Desk will be open during the following hours:
Friday 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Photo Gatherings
We will be hosting several themed group photo opportunities throughout the weekend! Check out the event schedule below for specific gathering times. Attendees should note that each gathering will last for approximately 15 minutes and plan accordingly. Photos taken may be shared on Bay Area Kei's social media posts and website.
Saturday
12:30 PM - Gothic Lolitas
1:45 PM - Sweet Lolita
2:30 PM - Classic Lolitas
Sunday
1:15 PM - Bear-themed coordinates
2:30 PM - General J-fashion
3:45 PM - Indie brand coordinates
Badge Ribbons
Badge ribbons are adhesive ribbons typically decorated with printed art or text and designed to hang off your badge. They can be informative (pronouns, event role, et cetera) or imaginative, letting people know what you’re into. Ribbons can be stacked to create a long chain hanging from the end of your badge.
We will be handing out various event badge ribbons throughout the convention and we encourage attendees to do the same! For more information about how to create or obtain ribbons, see the information page here.
Scavenger Hunt
Want to earn some bragging rights? Join our scavenger hunt to earn a special badge ribbon! Come visit the Info Desk for a list of things you need to find and document around the convention that you will need to take photos of. Once you find a certain number of items on the list, come back to Info Desk to claim your prize!
Meetups
Looking to meet up with other attendees during the convention? We’ve created a dedicated forum in the Bay Area Kei Discord server for scheduling meetups and gatherings! Whether you’re organizing a themed photoshoot, need an extra player in the Game Lounge, or simply looking to grab dinner with new friends - this is the place!
Find out how to organize your own gathering here.
FRIDAY, DEC 8
DAY 1
Panel | Social Mixer (16+)
Imperial Ballroom
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Host: Thanh (she/her)
Are you looking to make new friends? Do you like icebreakers and playing games with others? Do you like raffles and prizes? Then come join us for some fun and games at this meet and greet mixer! We’ll be hosting interactive icebreakers, games, raffles and prizes. No preparation necessary but participation is required.
Please be on time as we will not allow attendees to join in after the doors have closed. Please also note that since this is an interactive event, you will be required to move around often.
The maximum capacity of this event is 60 guests, and is recommended for those 16 years of age and older.
About the Host: Thanh has been in the J-fashion scene for almost 15 years as part of the San Diego Lolitas. She has been involved in projects such as Lolibrary and has been an EGL mod during the global LiveJournal days. She previously ran this mixer at Fanime 2022 and is bringing it back due to its popularity!
Panel | Dress of The Year
Osaka Room
7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Host: Mani Tokkigo (she/her)
Many dresses were released this year, but only one is definitively The Best of 2023. Cast your vote in this interactive panel, hosted by Mani Tokkigo, as we travel on a journey of dress discovery. Perhaps the real Best Dress will be the friends we make along the way?
Karaoke Night
Osaka Room
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
It's time to Metamorphose! We want to hear your beautiful voices, so come to Karaoke Night to sing your Heart E out and shake your Bodyline. Baby, your star shines bright!
Eclectic Doll Carnival: J-Fashion EDM Rave (18+)
Imperial Ballroom
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Eclectic Doll Carnival is our Friday night J-fashion EDM rave featuring DJs Time Angel & Gravity Angel!
For more information about this event's dress code & policies, please click here.
Please note that this event will require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 at the door.
SATURDAY, DEC 9
DAY 2
VIP Shopping
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Spring Room
Shop ahead of the crowd! VIP Shopping Hour will take place an hour before doors open to the public on Saturday from 11 AM until noon. By purchasing a VIP ticket, you will be granted early entry to both the Ursa Market Vendor Hall & Artist Alley and the Gothic & Lolita Market Pop-Up.
VIP Shopping tickets are available as a $15 optional add-on with online badge purchase only, and are currently sold out. For more information, please review the Registration Information page.
Panel | The Absolute State of Shibuya 109
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Osaka Room
Host: pj-hime (she/her)
For generations, Shibuya 109 has been a pillar of fashion trends and a paradise for trendy young women and girls. From Gyaru to Ryousangata, let's see how these brands have changed over time and explore the many fashion moments happening in 2023 and beyond!
About the Host: I love finding and wearing cute and practical J-fashion for everyday life. I usually wear a mix of Ryousangata, Jirai, and Himekaji. Liz Lisa, Ank Rouge, and Honey Cinnamon are my obsessions!
Ursa Market: J-Fashion Vendor Hall & Artist Alley
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sakura Room
Come shop with our fabulous participating vendors and artists! For more information about each vendor, please visit the Ursa Market page.
Gothic & Lolita Market Pop-Up
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Spring Room
Gothic & Lolita Market is coming to San Francisco! Currently the largest lolita fashion event in Japan, Gothic & Lolita Market brings over thirty wonderful Japanese lolita fashion brands to be represented in the Market’s overseas debut at Ursa Major. Gothic & Lolita Market will feature clothing and accessories from a variety of styles such as gothic, punk, classic, and sweet.
For more information about the vendors participating in the Gothic & Lolita Market, click here.
The Doll Museum
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Imperial Ballroom
If you’re a doll collector and interested in showing off your dolls while hanging out with other like-minded enthusiasts, come check out The Doll Museum! This event gives attendees the chance to socialize, show off their favorite dolls and take photos. If you don’t have any dolls or can’t bring them to the event, feel free to swing by anyway!
Participants may start setting up their displays starting at 12:00 PM. All types of Japanese fashion dolls, including BJDs, Pullips, Blythes and Dollfies are welcome!
Photo Gathering | Gothic Lolitas
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Panel | J-Fashion Fusion Showdown
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Osaka Room
Hosts: Eden (they/them) and Rachel (she/her)
Join us for a friendly competition where we mash together different J-fashion styles. Bring your drawing skills to create wonderful (or cursed) designs!
We will do several rounds of one-on-one matchups where a pair of volunteers are chosen to draw up a randomly chosen J-fashion crossover-related prompt on whiteboards. Be ready to think fast and draw fast! Create the chaotic crossovers of your dreams!
Photo Gathering | Sweet Lolitas
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Game Lounge
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Osaka Room
Come and enjoy our game lounge! Well-stocked with board games, card games, video games and more, our game masters will help you match up with a fun game and cool group of people to play with! Looking for something a little more solo? We’ll also have puzzles and coloring pages to enjoy by yourself. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own games and friends and play together in our lounge.
For more information about what we will have available, see the Game Lounge page here.
Photo Gathering | Classic Lolitas
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Dance Lessons
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Imperial Ballroom
Want to learn a new type of dance or brush up on old moves? Our dance lessons are beginner-friendly and prepare you for a night of revelry at the Holiday Ball!
3:00 PM - Slow Waltz
4:00 PM - East Coast Swing
5:00 PM - Rotary Waltz and Polka
For more information, please see the Holiday Ball page!
Holiday Ball (18+)
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Imperial Ballroom
Our Holiday Ball is a formal ball with set dances. For more information about the dances, dress code, and event-specific policies, please click here.
Please note that this event will require valid ID and proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Coordinate Contest (18+)
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Imperial Ballroom
The Ursa Major Coordinate Contest will take place during the Holiday Ball, in the Imperial Ballroom. For more information and contest rules, please review the Coordinate Contest page here.
SUNDAY, DEC 10
DAY 3
Panel | Lolita History and Historical Influences on Lolita
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Osaka Room
Host: Theacalix (they/them)
Is lolita truly based off of Victorian and Rococo fashion? How did lolita fashion come to be? Why does old-school lolita look the way it does? Come to my lolita fashion history and historical influences panel for a deep dive into the history of lolita fashion, analysis of the fashion time periods that influence lolita and learn some skills on identifying how and why historical fashion has influenced lolita.
About the Host: E, also known as Theacalix online, is a longtime lolita fashion wearer and talented sewist who has been making and wearing lolita fashion for almost a decade. They are also a historical costumer with a passion for fashion history.
J-Fashion Swap Meet
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Imperial Ballroom
Our J-Fashion Swap Meet will take place on Sunday, December 10th. Come buy and secondhand J-fashion clothing, accessories and novelty items from your local community members!
For more information about the Swap Meet, feel free to review the Swap Meet information page.
Panel | (Usa) Kumya Appreciation
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Osaka Room
Host: Kelsey (she/her)
Calling all kumya lovers! Come learn about lolita brand Baby, the Stars Shine Bright’s iconic mascots and appearances throughout the brand’s history.
About the Host: Usakumya Enthusiast!
Workshop | Decorating A Straw Hat
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Sakura Room
Host: Samantha Rose (she/her)
Decorate a boater hat to fit your style using fake flowers, ribbons, and buttons!
Supplies will be provided. The maximum capacity of this event is 25 participants. Please arrive early if you wish to secure a spot!
Photo Gathering | Bear-themed Coordinates
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Panel | Mastering the Art of Amateur Photography
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Osaka Room
Host: Jenna (she/her)
Tired of getting terrible pictures back from your non J-fashion friends? Want to step up your own amateur photography skills? Take better coordinate photos? We’ll unlock the secrets of basic coordinate photography with hands-on demos, dumb acronyms and lots of silly examples.
About the Host: By day, Jenna is a paralegal living in Los Angeles, California. By night, she is a frill wearing monster who loves EGL fashion, which she’s been wearing since 2016. She’s particularly fond of classic lolita, Innocent World, indie brands, and mixing vintage pieces into her coordinates. When she’s not wearing or writing about Japanese fashion, she loves playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons, making historical costumes, and playing with her dog Lily.
Workshop | Kuma-panions: Crochet Bear pin Craft-along
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Sakura Room
Host: Molly Moonflower (she/her)
Crochet a cute bear pin accessory ready to provide silent commentary on all your J-fashion adventures! Craft along with Molly Moonflower, or just watch and chill if you want to make your own later. This workshop will go over various crochet stitches, how to join pieces together, how to add embroidered details, safety eyes and finishing techniques. Patterns and materials will be provided. This is a great time to learn to crochet if you have always wanted to. All skill levels welcome!
The maximum capacity of this event is 30 participants. Please arrive early if you wish to secure a spot!
About the Host: Molly Moonflower is a local maker that just loves sharing the joy of crafting with other people. Let's make cute things together!
Photo Gathering | J-Fashion General
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Panel | Representation of Lolita in Media: An Ode to Being Oneself
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Osaka Room
Host: @seraphim_complex (she/her)
Characters and narrative in storytelling can offer us perspective on life outside of ourselves as well as within. Use of the fashion in media can be thought of as being on a spectrum ranging from "lolita-inspired", aesthetic character design all the way to active participation in lolita fashion. This panel focuses on pieces of fiction that include characters where lolita fashion is a facet of their identity and through comparison, what can be ascertained? This and other concepts are discussed.
Panel Slides can be found here.
Photo Gathering | Indie Brand Coordinates
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Outdoor Garden
Photo gatherings will take place in the outdoor garden, which can be reached by using the entrance next to the hotel bar on the lobby level. In the case of rain, please check back for an alternate location.
Panel | Ursa Major Designer Roundtable
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sakura Room
Join our event vendors as they review 2023 and how it went for them as brands. We will discuss the various products that they have made or are in the process of making, as well as topics such as in-house production versus outsourcing and in-person sales.
Closing Bearemonies
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sakura Room
Join us for end-of-convention announcements and to let us know how we did!