Victory sign for Anime Evolution! Seby and I were guests at this anime convention, held in my hometown of Vancouver, and had a splendid time.

Read on for cosplay cuteness, and to learn about my new journalism job at Business Insider.

This was our first Canadian anime con, and they treated us royally. (That’s my leather hooded jacket, by Danier…)

Seby and I enjoyed the beautiful UBC campus, where the annual event was held.

We met a squirrel along this nature pathway. I’m wearing a long, scalloped white dress and crochet jacket by Liz Lisa (Japanese gyaru brand), bought last month in Sogo Hong Kong.

We were guests of honor at the three-day convention, a celebration of anime, manga, gaming, and other Jpop fandom.

Thank you to everyone who came to our panels (including this stuffed Mog from Final Fantasy).

Seby and I gave a panel about living and traveling in Japan, including tips about visas, staying in ryokans, best flights and season, ways to keep costs low, and how to use the subway. Hopefully you found our advice helpful; we encourage you to learn more and visit Japan!

We also did two autograph signing sessions. Seby drew his cat (Mara Maura) and mine (Basil Farrow). What do you think of the resemblance?

In addition to convention booklets, we signed arms, tshirts, stuffed bears and staff badges.

Close-up on my blue-purple-red ombre hair, which I straightened and braided.

Wearing a long, sheer grey top/dress by TwoPercent Hong Kong. My fuzz-face purse looks like a Totoro dust sprite, but it’s actually the Hong Kong character Hyoma.

Anime Evolution was celebrating its 10th anniversary, and had a number of special events like a cosplay contest, opening and closing ceremonies, and meet-and-greet dinner. Loved seeing how everyone dressed up.

Seby tried with all his might to grab this Kingdom Hearts keyblade.

So much to see in the Dealer’s Hall and Artist’s Alley. I particularly liked the stuffed pastel alpaca toys, and the Sailor Moon meets Art Nouveau work, inspired by Alphonse Mucha’s works.

Thank you to Anime Evolution for inviting us, and to all the volunteers and attendees for their kindness. We hope to be back next year!

In our downtime, Seby and I went to Acadia Beach, and to Granville Island.

I guess someone wants to put me in his pocket…

My “happy bat” tights and black-white striped platform shoes are both from the Hong Kong Izzue store (more photos to come).

Let’s end with some exciting news: I have a new writing position at Business Insider! I’ll be contributing articles about travel, pop culture and trends worldwide.

Enjoy my first article on Japan’s cat-crazy culture. Featuring Hello Kitty, Hangry & Angry, Doraemon and a cameo by my Scottish Fold cat. Thanks for reading!

Have you been to an anime convention? What was your experience like? And did you spot Basil Farrow in my kitty article?