Swords and blades have been common weapons for many years in various different countries around the world. Typically underappreciated, what could happen if these weapons of old were suddenly turned into appealing and good-looking men?
Touken Ranbu shows exactly that. Developed by DMM Games and Nitroplus, swords turned into what the game calls the “Touken Danshi” are forged and summoned by the player in order to protect the course of history. These swords, loved by the players called the Saniwa, are trained and leveled-up to be the best that they can be.
Shutsugeki, a Touken Ranbu centered event organized by fans for the fans, was held on November 11, 2017 at STKD Zeppelin, Pasig city. The event was graced by five talented artists (Ryomomo, Cloudrabbitart, Sands Oceans Tree, Gab Riel/Solaris, and Mikatsuki-kun), and two exhibitors (Tokyo Fanatics, and Pau Miyuki). It was sponsored by Unmei Nihonggo Center and assisted by their media partners Otakultura, and us SetsuAni…!
With the number of various merchandises, one would surely be able to take their fill of items to take home.
It was a small and intimate event filled with booths, games, and laughter. The program proper started at 12:30pm, beginning with an energetic shout of “Touken Ranbu… Hajimaruyo!” which was echoed by the participants. House rules and expectations were explained briefly and finally… the games and activities began!
The first game of the program was a Koban game (Janken game), followed by an Expedition (Bring Me) game, Guess the Toudan, Trivia Games, Toudan Henyo, Yamanbagiri’s Blanket Game, Forge Like Smith-san Game, and What’s in the Bag Game. There were raffles for the attendees as well, and a Badge Challenge wherein saniwas should complete a set of “missions” to obtain a prize.
The Koban game was basically a Janken game that tested the saniwas’ lucks. Perhaps their luck (or lack thereof for some) reflected their actual luck in-game?
Saniwas hustled to fulfill the requirements during the Expedition game. Some requirements were as easy as “bringing a spear” or “bringing an old man” while some were quite tricky to bring such as “Ichi-nii’s favorite brother” (because we all know Ichi-nii loves all his brothers equally) or “bring someone who can do the hanamaru biyori dance.”
To test the Saniwas knowledge of their mission and their swords, the trivia games, Guess the Toudan game, Toudan Henyo, and Yamanbagiri’s Blanket Game were performed. Of course, a saniwa who was loyal to their cause and their toudan-husband would at least know the basic information about them and/or recognize their favorite sword-boys, correct?
But that wasn’t all. Having the skills to dress up your sword boy in any occasion with whatever available materials was also an important saniwa skill, which is where the “Forge like Smith-san” game came in. Each team of saniwas took turns dressing up their model of choice (a saniwa volunteer from their respective teams) with the limited materials provided. Did they succeed in doing so? The answer depends on you.
Lastly, the saniwas were also tested on their intuition! What better way to test their intuition and “spiritual abilities” by letting them guess what were inside the bags by only using their sense of touch, right? Some saniwas succeeded so fast that it was amazing!
Well, the saniwas have indeed proven their abilities, but what about the sword boys who were present as well? Of course they too were acknowledged! They braved the present time just to be with the saniwas!
Despite showing off their skills in many aspects, being a saniwa didn’t only mean a high degree of skill… but also the ability to have this certain aura of grace. The saniwas who exuded this were, very truly, also acknowledged. Why shouldn’t they be when they were dressed so beautifully?
After a long day of activities, it was finally time for everyone (saniwas, toudans, artists, merchants, organizers, and staff) to get together into one big family photo. Why a family photo? Well, why not? They were, as the High School Musical song goes, all in this together – a family of saniwas and sword boys who were all fighting to protect and preserve history, after all.
For the new saniwas, ironically possibly out-of-date saniwas, or those who are curious and who might end up as future saniwa, Touken Ranbu has anime adaptations, 2.5D stageplays and musicals, and an upcoming movie this 2019! Your touken danshis are currently doing their best to raise funds to improve your honmaru and be of better service to you too, so wouldn’t it be nice to support and shower their projects with love as well? Now then… let’s go and protect history!
Contributed by: Miki Kun
Photos by: Adriannne Kane
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