A Unique Gala Experience

Costumes and cosplay highly encouraged! See costume contest details below! Show us your best Kaiju ROAR!

The Japanese Arts Foundation officially invites you to our annual fundraising gala. Experience an evening of fine Japanese cuisine, spirits, and artistic performances and activations. Enjoy the beautiful space of Artifact Events, and celebrate 70 years of the Godzilla legacy with us! The gala directly supports the efforts of the Japanese Arts Foundation and the vast work we do. Guests in attendance and at home are encouraged to participate in the virtual silent auction featuring gifts from our many partners.

The evening promises a night of fine Japanese cuisine, spirits, and artistic performances and activities while connecting to our community of artists, thinkers, and makers. Join us to celebrate a special evening benefiting the Japanese Arts Foundation, one of our city’s foremost cultural institutions. Proceeds from this event support the Japanese Arts Foundation’s mission of creating inclusive and equitable opportunity, education, and support of Japanese arts thriving in Chicago’s diverse community and beyond.

Last year we explored the art of kizuna / 絆 at our gala, and this year we celebrate all things Godzilla on the 70th year of kaiju history! From 5 foot origami kaiju, to scales and sounds…you won’t want to miss this year!

A Kaiju-sized event unlike any other!

The Japanese Arts Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting Japanese arts and culture, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and preserving the rich artistic culture of Japan. By attending this special event, you will not only have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japanese art but also make a meaningful contribution to the foundation's ongoing efforts.

As you enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine meticulously prepared by renowned chefs, you'll have the opportunity to network and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, patrons, and influential figures within the cultural community. The event serves as a platform for forging new connections, fostering collaborations, and expanding your own appreciation for the beauty and significance of Japanese arts.

Tickets to this special evening benefiting the Japanese Arts Foundation are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. By attending, you will play a vital role in preserving and promoting Japanese arts, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience and be inspired by this rich cultural heritage.

We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable evening in celebration of Godzilla and the Japanese Arts Foundation.

Kaiju Clash Costume Contest: The Ultimate Monster Mash-up

Categories

1. Kaiju Cosplay: Participants who create elaborate costumes inspired by Godzilla, other kaiju, or related characters from the franchise.

2. Monster Chic: Participants who design and wear formal or avant-garde attire inspired by Godzilla, other kaiju, or related characters from the franchise, blending high fashion with monstrous elements.

Rules and Expectations

Creativity and Originality: Participants are encouraged to create unique interpretations, whether through cosplay or fashion design, showcasing their individual artistic flair.

Craftsmanship: Judges will assess the quality, detail, and effort put into each creation.

Theme Interpretation: Entries should clearly represent an aspect of the Godzilla universe, whether through character cosplay or fashion inspired by the kaiju aesthetic.

Participation: Participants must arrive to the venue no later than 8PM CST and be present until the Winner Announcements at 10PM CST. Participants should acquire [some kind of registration recognition] upon arriving so that judges are aware.

Safety and Accessibility:

Costume Extensions: Costumes with long extensions, wings, or other large appendages must be retractable or detachable to avoid creating obstructions during the event. Participants are required to demonstrate how these parts can be safely managed while moving through the event space.

No Hazardous Materials: Costumes must not include any dangerous or hazardous materials, such as sharp objects, open flames, or substances that could harm others or damage the venue. All props and costume parts must be secure and safe for public interaction.

Inspection:

All weapons, props, and costume accessories may be subject to inspection by event staff or security personnel. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for entry into the event venue.We reserve the right to make final determinations regarding the acceptability of weapons and props on a case-by-case basis, even if they comply with these guidelines.

Permitted Weapons and Props:

Safe & Insert: Weapons and props must be safe, non-functional, and incapable of causing harm. They should be constructed from lightweight materials such as foam, plastic, rubber, or cardboard.

Costume Accessories:Costume accessories, including wands, swords, and other decorative items, are generally permitted if they are safe, non-sharp, and comply with the guidelines herein.

Prohibited Weapons & Props:

Real Weapons: Real weapons, including firearms, sharp-edged blades, and any item designed to inflict harm, are strictly prohibited. This includes functional firearms, knives, and any weapon capable of firing projectiles.

Oversized Props: Props or accessories that are excessively large or heavy and could obstruct walkways or pose a safety risk are not allowed. Please consider the convenience and safety of fellow attendees.

Dangerous or Hazardous Items: Items that may pose a danger to others, including pyrotechnics, fireworks, explosives, or items with open flames, are prohibited.

Projectile Weapons, Toys, and Props: Projectile-firing weapons, such as airsoft guns, paintball markers, and functional crossbows, are not allowed at our events.

Secret Judging Process

• Anonymous Judging: Judges will blend in with the event attendees to observe participants without revealing their identities. This ensures that everyone is judged fairly and without bias.

• Criteria: Judges will score based on creativity, craftsmanship, theme interpretation, and presentation. Scores will be collected privately and compiled before the final announcement.

• Judges: TBA

Awards

• "Best in Show" Award for the most outstanding overall creation.

• "Monstrous Creativity" Award for the most unique and inventive interpretation.

• "Killer Craftsmanship" Award for exceptional detail and quality.

• "Kaiju Chic" Award for the most stylish and innovative fashion design.

• "Most Frightening" Award for the scariest looking design.

Prizes: TBA