I Went to Japan's BIGGEST Artist Alley

Design Festa's Site: designfesta.com/
Next event is happening May 18th-19th, 2024!
Thumbnail Art: @kheechuu
khee's twitter: x.com/cactuskhee?s=20
khee's twitch: / cactuskhee
Wallet Voiced by: @Alpharad
My Links:
Instagram: emirichuu?...
twitter: / emirichuyt
twitch: / emirichuyt
BG Music from:
@oneul274
@zukisuzukiBGM

[@Emirichu]

I tried my best but unfortunately could not get the social media handles of every single artist I saw T___T I got the booth numbers for most of them, but some didn't have their info listed on the Design Festa site (a few didn't have any socials listed at all)--next time I'll be more diligent about collecting business cards!! also--I got permission from Design Festa to film beforehand, but if you do end up going and want to take pictures/video, just ask the booth artist! ^^

[@thatsmejosey]

This was a very nice video! Thank you for trying to give credit to the artists ❤

[@Cheryunnie]

Please make more merch!!

[@lding230]

love the vid

[@gian8389]

It's ok, and thank you for sharing this huge event experience, I wish you and everyone to have a. Happy new year ☺️

[@koriflame3846]

Emily I loved the artstyle with u commissioning khee chuu her thumbnail art with your story telling is beautiful but I think that alternating between her thumbnail and yours is so beutifull Love your stories I'm a huge fan!

[@Gayestbacon]

The story between Emily and her wallet is such a tragic tale

[@word_words]

Loll

[@sheridanwolf]

The story between Connor and his wallet, is a horror story

[@luizyamat9202]

Lmfao

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Yes, I Can Commiserate !

[@christychen6893]

frr

[@Gabe4223.]

Jacob as the wallet is comedy gold

[@maximvanmoergestel5710]

Yes😊

[@Z_does_ART]

DUDE I LOVE UR PFP, ITS GUS FROM TOH!

[@imSaerilee]

You could say it's... Alpharad Gold....

[@azuredrago001]

@@Z_does_ARTSAME LOL

[@edmind47]

@@imSaerilee Ba Dum Ching!!

[@Kaykokovids]

The artists who dedicated their whole booth to their 2 kitties is beyond adorable. Those cats are so well loved and its very sweet that their owners want to share how cute their cats are. I love you Dongdong and ShuShu🥺💕

[@Mace4721]

Hey I'm ugly sobbing now bc of the message in the pamphlet. Absolutely tore my heart asunder. My tears are falling into my ice cream as I type this. SO THANKS KDKDJDKXMDM Real talk that was so sweet and heartwrenching. Like I genuinely can't stop crying over it. Godspeed to that artist in particular

[@coffeeghost1150]

I was NOT expecting to start sobbing over the story behind nyan_q's chubby cat figurine. Thank you for sharing this and everything else from Design Festa with us!

[@VeshSneaks]

Honestly, same. The speed at which the tears hit my cheeks was unprecedented.

[@knowbuddynose]

Yeah, gotta go hug my chonky cat now.

[@Ichniyowe1010]

Same, since i have a cat. I cannot bear the thought of losing my precious one 😭. I am crying

[@duckhii]

i lost my beloved cat to kidney disease about 2 months ago, when i tell you i wanted to sob😢 what people do for their animals is so touching

[@flugansomintekomhem]

Yeah, my pms riddled self was not ready. Still weeping after the video has ended 💔

[@iswearimnotobsessedwithbts]

In conclusion: Emily just keeps increasing her strawberry collection everyday.

[@Dackychansworld]

lol true but love it

[@aserta]

Mark my words, one day she'll live inside a strawberry shaped house!

[@LEEANQIMoe-ng2jt]

fr tho-

[@overlordprincess8291]

Everything look good and beautiful

[@rattersworld1016]

Honestly? That's fair.

[@misterjooj9851]

15:47 This moment made me cry a lot because when I was a kid I picked up a stary kitten on the street, he was so small that he didn't even open his eyes, but in the end he died without even opening his eyes.

[@Laura_Darkspear]

I know it’s probably a small thing but thank you for putting the artists tags while showing off the booths!! I suddenly feel the need for a tree frog bag! O,O

[@Xajiquin]

Emily's art style has grown a lot over time! I'm so damn proud of her!

[@eri6970]

Trueee

[@Dackychansworld]

yess so true her art is so cute and i love it

[@TheRealRidley12]

And the style is still as adorable as ever. ❤

[@mattpace1026]

That's an interesting way to say it hasn't changed in the slightest.

[@psman85]

Bro that cubby cat story from the artist is heart tugging and a beautiful reason behind it, i love it.

[@valeriavacamolina]

Didn't expect to cry watching this video

[@Dolly_ribbons]

15:47 Made me tear up 😢 All cats deserve to eat their meals and be happy 😊

[@StillKURBBZ]

You can tell that when Emily was reading the chubby cat bio she was either trying not to cry, crying in between takes or had just finished crying 😭😭❤

[@JavierSerrano713]

Jacob Alphrad as the wallet is the best recurring character 😂

[@glamrockchica909]

Yeah 😂

[@brk029]

I was looking for this comment xD

[@Dackychansworld]

yes

[@RecordToDeathToBoredom]

I don't like to go out much. I didn't even care much about anime conventions. But this? It ACTUALLY feels magical. So many great varieties of art, designs, performances, and the amount of work put into all of these crafts. I just can't. If I had money, I'd love to support everyone. Their senses have been trained to be masters of their work and they're all so appealing.

[@mystaee2914]

i dont know why, but when emily was describing the beauty of imperfection in clay arts specifically in food,,,,i left my eyes water 😭

[@Griffinattack]

That cat artist story, cut me deep. I lost my boy earlier this month, and seeing this guy go on to make such touching tributes to not only his cat but all cats, it's damn beautiful. I wonder if my boy and his cat met and became friends up there.

[@dpcottoncandy1220]

I'm sure they're happy and watching you fondly ❤

[@elkooone]

I also lost my cat at the beginning of the year and I just started bawling🥲

[@xtuffcookiex]

Yea felt that especially when my Cat had lost so much weight due to heart failure. I hope he can enjoy all his favorite foods, over the rainbow bridge .

[@MizuHime07]

; n; my condolences dude

[@upsidedownsometimes]

I'm sure your cat and my cat are good friends :)

[@Nando75549]

Watching this Artist Valley video made me wanna continue drawing sketches and keep experimenting my artstyle. Hell, once it's 2024, I'm planning on drawing/redesigning my characters!

[@shanicek5188]

Right? It's so inspiring!

[@MoonBun-illu]

Ok first: Thank you for putting the names of the artists in the video because I saw sooo many artists that intrigued me. Second: Man I WISHED there was something like this in germany. I swear I went to 3 anime cons in my life and I usually run to the artist alley and I always noticed that the artist doing og art or non anime specific art/no fanart always have the smallest stands as well as the ones with the least people at it and the stands located at the worst locations. Like this girl I saw at my last con I went to in summer last year. She had these handmade koi fish pencil cases which where super adorable as well as very cute stickers. But she was located in a corner basically literally in the shadow of two super big booths. One being fanart of demon slayer themed and the other was jjk I think. I went to her because of the pencil case and she was such a sweetheart. Super nice and so happy I bought the case and seeing how I was super hyped right on the spot. I have nothing against fanart artists or fanart in general, usually not my thing to get tbh, but at conventions these type of booths always overshadow the ones not making fanart but original art with oc's and such which is always kinda sad I think. I always try to go to these booths especially but due to stupid location you miss a ton. I never seen a con like this here that was just for og art of all kinds but I hope something like this will be picked up and done here as well

[@iceveinz8730]

Emily, I have to say I really like this new type of j vlogging mixed with storytime illustrated content that you're doing. I think it's something that's rarely been done before and I think it's really cool so I'm thrilled that you have taken your content in this direction. You're doing great so just keep it up

[@ShgurrFan]

"Daidus was fully prepared to attempt eating the fake potato salad" Me: Not surprised, I'd expect nothing less from him of all people😂

[@stevenmattrell3448]

The chubby cat one hit me hard. We had to say goodbye to our cat of almost 13 years this past April. She was diagnosed with diabetes, and the treatment was very expensive and would've had her being constantly injected with needles (which she hated). The vet described what she was going through as she was absorbing her own body to survive as the diabetes effectively stopped her from properly getting the nutrients she needed from food. Though we tried managing her condition with a special diet, the vet revealed the treatment (though it would've removed her quality of life) was the only option where she'd survive. Our cat lasted about a year with her condition, but in the end we opted to have her put down. Her name was Cody and she was the bestest cat anyone could've asked for.

[@goeticfolklore]

So sorry for what happened, I have two elderly cats myself and thank everyday they are here.

[@starsantheoriginal]

You sold me at "No fan art". I think too many artists rely on it and frankly doing lots of fan art stunts ones skills and creativity. They never learn to create their OWN! So I would be EXTREMELY excited to go to this convention. I wish there was one like it here in America

[@jacquelynarmstrong6206]

If only in America 🥲 FEEL THAT

[@zecendia]

Or maybe people just like to draw what they love

[@starsantheoriginal]

@@zecendia when all you draw is someone else's creation, you stunt yourself. Learn to love your OWN creations.

[@Xenderman]

@@starsantheoriginal not really. When you draw fanart, you are actively learning from the people you make fanart for. Also having fun drawing is above all other things and that's what keeps you drawing. You're not stunting yourself by drawing fanart. You're taking inspiration and skills from people you look up to to create a piece of art. saying that making fanart "stunts your growth" is actually the worst piece of advice you could have told. Alex Ries, who was a concept artist for Subnautica: Below Zero got hired because he made fanart of the ORIGINAL Subnautica. There are many, many more instances of that.

[@starsantheoriginal]

@Xenderman I have thought out and seen ample evidence. Look at all of Hollywood, the animation industry, and comics. Rife with fanfic writers and fanartists that got hired cause of their works based on established ip The entire industry is dull, full of trash, unimaginative and bleeding money from their hollow attempts In other words, I said what I said

[@vin_g0ld]

16:24 I love how I started bawling my eyes out of no where

[@bruchett4799]

This is beautiful. Art teachers always tell us about "ART" and these famous ARTISTS and "contemporary" artists. To me, this is real art. from crafts, drawings, and paintings. A medium that hasn't died, although in the boujee art world - it is "dying" out.

[@BJGvideos]

Real art will never die

[@Raiya-Sanora]

My mouth just dropped from wonder with how beautiful these artwork are. And that cat story got me tearing up🥲

[@Ziixt]

what the hell i did not expect to start crying over the artist statement of the plump cat. i picked up my cat immediately and gave her a tight hug.

[@_.Neoma._]

16:05 man, That made me cry so hard

[@strxwberrypuff]

I love how you talked about fursuits!! Its such an underrated art form.

[@zeosummers3984]

talk is stretching it. she just said fursuits were there and only gave a picture of 2 heads. it was probably the least stand out thing there. only furries would care about fursuits.

[@strxwberrypuff]

@@zeosummers3984 oh yeah sorry, I’m just happy she showed 2 :)

[@zeosummers3984]

@@strxwberrypuff furries are really desperate for a drop of water. i'll only count 1 and barely. the second look like any mask you could buy. doesn't help it wasn't full. at this point you can just wear gloves or just shoes and people will call it a fursuit. it was disappointing. i wouldn't say it's underrated. animals and costume animals exist in various forms. it's just no one who isn't them actually cares. i still find it dumb when furries say furry stuff is underrated or the animal stuff is some niche like it literally isn't absolutely everywhere and at the top in just about everything. this is why i see them as obsessed, they want everyone to be in the furry lifestyle.

[@strxwberrypuff]

@@zeosummers3984 can you please just stop?

[@zeosummers3984]

@@strxwberrypuff no. why? can you?

[@ArchonKujo]

Art is one of my favorite things to do as a hobby, And just seeing art alone from others will give you an inspiration of your own, and for ally this big, art has been a very important thing in life, without it we wouldn't have all the stuff we have now.

[@spiele_maus]

What are you everywhere! I click on a random video. Guess who already commented on it 🤣

[@LARODEO15]

Preach 🗣️🔥

[@nevyjohnson4854]

As a fellow art lover, I am very proud to say that this video moved me to tears at the sheer splendour of Design Festa. The booths, the artists, and the ATMOSPHERE are just all amazing!

[@animeoeshonikako730]

As someone who has chosen to have a minimalistic lifestyle, I no longer purchase small goodies like the ones in the video, but boi was this video so fun to watch! It felt like I indulged in food I have been craving. Thank you for the amazing content emily

[@anthonyleung5277]

I was lucky when I travel to Japan back in November 2018 and it just happen to be the week of Design Festa vol. 48. Was able to meet the artist that design Yururin Panda and bought some of her personal artwork. Such a cool exhibit. Highly recommend for anyone able to go.

[@gian8389]

The art community is really inspiring, and so is miss emily and all I can say to everyone out there is : "Thank u for inspiring us another year" ❤😊🍓

[@itsalexclark]

I love this thumbnail so good. Nicely done.

[@peanut4668]

This account looks familiar

[@reizak8966]

Wasn't expecting to cry watching this. My cat, pictured left, passed away after a very long battle with diabetes. We called him Kitten because that was the only name he came to. Rescued him out of our apartment complex parking lot. He was skin and bones when we took him in, but a voracious eater! He blessed our lives for 6 years. He lost a lot of weight near the end. It's been 7 years, and yes, I have 2 adorable and healthy fur babies that follow me around everywhere and step on my face when I try to sleep, and I love them more than anything, but not a day goes by that I don't miss Kitten.

[@neutralwarlord]

The wallet is starting to suffer, press F to pay respects 2023 was a very moving year, I have nothing to say though, Happy New Year Emily and everyone in chat!!

[@jackietsui4457]

F for the wallet. And Happy New Year to everyone and you too! :)

[@0_00o4]

something about this video made me strangely emotional. art and creativity is beautiful and its lovely watching a vlog about a con celebrating that.

[@LittleAlternativeGirl]

I kept screencapping all the artists I want to follow now because of this video so it probably took me longer to watch lol. But I'm really happy you got this video out because it's such an inspiration to see all the different types of artists and as someone who wants to work on improving their art and getting back into their crafting hobbies in 2024, this was amazing. I loved everything you showed and can't wait to get started

[@eveenstudios]

I really enjoyed this video! Definitely putting this event down as a future thing to do in Japan! Please continue to show artist events like these if there are more! Would love to see a fanart version of this kind of market as well ❤

[@delphinelavendermorgan4627]

Rest in peace Emilys cute adorable strawberry Wallte (unknown date - 2023), you will be greatly missed.

[@Harrymation-productions]

As a clay artist the clay art stands were so beautiful, that’s the art I strive to make

[@ArtKingLing]

I was about to give up drawing perspective but then this video came on my feed and watching it boosted my motivation to continue trying perspective drawing, Thank You!

[@Tony_AM009]

This looks cool. The part near the end with the cat art piece and why the artist was making cat art almost made me shed tears. I hope that you have a Happy New Year!

[@mallowskycotl]

16:15 bro I did not expect to get a fountain of tears shoot out my face today, holy God

[@Spirit-pt1ib]

Emily thank you so much for including the different artist handles throughout the video because MY GOD I don't think I've been this happy going on Instagram and twitter this much😭

[@sarim.97]

Thank you for adding socials for all these amazing artists, I've now followed a bunch with insanely cool styles!

[@andreasdiary8602]

Emily, you have single handly encouraged and deepened my love for strawberries and strawberries themed items this past year, every video i find myself falling deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole 💗🍓

[@giveupndie4559]

I can’t believe I cried over a chubby cat statue

[@carolinemckee7009]

I know it's a small thing, but thank you so much for including the names/social media handles of the artists in all of your videos

[@tntking_7302]

I remember when I a member and apart of the 2023 Tokyo Night Festival. I know it's not big like that but through the whole experience of meeting new artists and *cough..cough...sorry wallet* purchasing their works and also getting to chat with them off and on discussing things and asking for advice on what I need to improve on with my art (the lines, shading and so on) even after when the Festival was over I cried on the way home due to the overwhelming excitement and the fact that I was sad it was over *I was there for 2 days setting up areas and helping each vendor and artist in the artist alley carrying their boxes* and the next 2 days was when the convention was open. Also, having the privilege to sit and talk to them beforehand about what they do is something I will never forget. From your experience there has encouraged me to wait until the next time it's open so that I may be able to meet new and possibly more artist to be inspired by. So thank you for sharing your experience at Design Festa with us. Your videos have been the hand on my back pushing me forwards in my art and manga career.

[@theShadeslayer]

art showcase: we have so much variety, come see the wonders of art masterfully explored through the diverse imagination of all these creative people! emily: STRAWBERRY

[@tibbynibby]

15:24 how dare you 😭 I lost my chubby boy wolf this year (simon is in my pfp). Thanks for ripping out my heart, chubby cat artist.

[@vivavy7444]

this made me wanna cry and made me wanna be there! It just look like the dream land for artists and art lovers T^T It probably hurts a lot on the wallet, but I can bet that it's all worth it cause everything looks so good and by purchasing you are helping support an artists work T^T

[@ERTWcoach]

The detail and effort those folks put into their works is mind blowing... Thanks for the vid.

[@user-wd3zs9cp7l]

I had no idea about this event, but it looks amazing! There’s so many kinds of art, like clay and fashion and live performance!

[@novo121]

This event is really nice. Especially for someone like me who's art is still evolving. Seeing all of this art though screen really makes me more creative. Unlike art classes in school. I hope I will go to one of these someday

[@henoji777]

A few friends had gone to this, but I didn't see any overlap with the pics they took and the booths showed here wow! So many cool things but I think my favorite was the whale tree sculpture. Ty for taking the time to include the social media for some of the artists as well!

[@Nadia1989]

Those food replicas and miniatures were amazing, but the fabric replicas at 6:56 are stunning!

[@alexwasnottaken5837]

7:53 He ate and left no crumbs.

[@CarrieTooTired]

me clicking on this video: wow I can't wait to see more of Emily's growing strawberry collection!! the video: *punches me in the gut w/ the chubby cat figure pamphlet*

[@simplecodingnow789]

This event is a perfect representation of how creative anyone from any segment of society can be if they put in dedication and consistent effort. I like how this event showcases obscure art pieces made by independent artists who are probably just regular people and how you probably will not find these exact things anywhere else. All the examples of the things you bought showcase how eventful an obscure personalized experience could be. You really seem to live a good life traveling so much and doing all these things while making money off of your love of animating and anime.

[@ris6300]

Love watching this to get an idea how Design Festa is! I love artist alleys at anime cons in the US and also local art markets. I've been wanting to go to Design Festa for years and finally the timing has worked out so I'm going to attend the upcoming one in May. Look forward to it!

[@sammislowpoke4310]

I really really appreciate you making this video. I love all things art, stationary, and crafts!! I’m just a ball of anxiety and so fearful of the unknown. By you showing your experience at this art convention it gives me relief to muster up the courage to go explore these types of events! Thank you

[@catsrus9478]

My wallet is celebrating because I don’t live near this convention 😂

[@Anonymousanimated]

Oh my gods, your artsyle is so pretty! It's one of the inspirations for my own, and I hope that I'll be as good at animating as you :)!

[@gro_kesh854]

The greatest voice acting career ever 1. Dog from river city girls 2. Emily's wallet Glad to see the grind is still alive

[@quqco]

I love love love artist alley so much-- it's my favourite part of any convention. This was such a treat to see! Thanks for sharing it :)

[@alfredoakalilsavage1661]

The chubby cat figurine story makes me wanna cry!!! Im glad that you translated the artist’s booklet.

[@theCOOLsakura]

16:18 you can hear her crying inside.

[@Niriixa]

Absolutely love how many unique artists are on display there. It just really makes you appreciate how much love and creativity is out there in people expressing their personalities and life experiences.

[@Jasperience]

This is so going on the bucket list! And also, the chubby cat at the end hit quite close to home 😭One of my cats has kidney issues as well and she is also looking very thin. Luckily, after extensive testing, things seem to not be as bad as we had feared, but I honestly didn't think she'd make New Years for a while there. When I go to Design Festa, I will 100% try to get one of those cats.

[@Ransan83]

0:27 the momement I realized what the straweberry thing actually was and where this was going to end XD

[@aliggzanimation4270]

I absolutely love that I put the artists tags in the video :] My heart melt while I heard about the cute chubby cat :< Also I adore your vids!

[@angelikaking1560]

I cried at the last one :,[ I had a big chubby cat, but he got sick and died at only 5 years old. He likely had cancer that was noticed too late, and near the end of his life he lost so much weight and was skinny. It broke my heart and I still miss him so much. I think their reason for making cute chubby cats is so beautiful 🩷

[@Basic_Stories101]

can we just stop to appreciate how skilled these artist are!!!

[@giveupndie4559]

Holy!!!! Japanese artists are something else, Im seeing things I’ve never seen before from other art conventions

[@cupcake32009]

Thank you for sharing one of your fav artist with us. I went to go look for wachichi's art so fast. I found it so pretty. I love the way she draws clothes.

[@missteriouskitty]

God I teared up at the fat cat pamphlet Q_Q this con looks so incredible, I hope one day I can go! My favorite thing about this is how it celebrates human creativity and connection through unique pieces. The true spirit of art!

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Emirichu. These events are so awesome the craftsmanship is so amazing. Also Emily's wallet is trying to find a good hiding place so it can rest and recover from all the spending.

[@Little_Mimi_.]

So lucky!! Would love to go there someday 😭💕

[@Mackremarks]

Bro this is literally like an anime the color and the drawings your amazing you can really tell the improvement keep going you're amazing and you've inspired many animatiors

[@megadeltsmarcy]

god that artist bio really hit hard, i love my cat so much and i cant imagine what i'll do without her. i've always wanted to visit japan but i def want to come for design festa!! thanks for always showing such cool things to do around japan 💞

[@darienb1127]

I'm convinced that when Emi becomes an old woman, her entire house is going to look like one of those strawberry candies that grandmas have.

[@aserta]

1:56 As an architect, that building really does something for me every time i see it. From a time we used to dream just a bit bigger. Dunno if the kids ever saw it, but within the same mentality, we were to have pyramid cities on water. Shimizu TRY. It was always thought out for 2030, so there's still hope and it would've been built in the Tokyo bay. It's possible that for some TBS looks very simplistic (a simple solid) but it's the sum of all parts that deems it refined. It's difficult to make a solid into something that won't have your brain "alert alert, that's bullsh!t". When TBS was built, boy... did the conservative crowd in Japan lose their Okonomiyaki over it. :)) Takeo Satow's legacy (as he was passed away by the time TBS was conceived) really came to shine in the firm's buildings. Big ups to the firm for being able to aggressively move into a sector where other peers couldn't cut it.

[@annoyingbaka]

Always have trust in you to put artists socials when showing them in your videos so I can see and follow the ones i like! I would love to go to Design Festa one day, what an artists dream

[@potathoe1170]

Amazing video. It's great to get to tag along with you to these things. That said, ho-boy I was not ready for this video to make me cry. What a beautiful artist profile for the chubby cats.

[@thenameskhai]

0:45 this frame looks like boss fight

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

Japan can make cute males and cute females, especially when being sex dimorphic on the characters. The arching head with tall and round eyes together design is a classic.

[@rosa97509]

so well organized!!! super refreshing :0

[@denisenpaiii]

I soooo so much wanna attend events like these. It heals part of my artist heart that long died. My heart is always so full watching Emi's vlogs and my heart for art gets to live thru her videos

[@lovelyjuliexo]

11:20 omg the strawberry stuff is so cute! 💕 🍓 🍒

[@Akari-br7ci]

As someone who just recently lost their cat, that last story really got to me.

[@hyovxz]

The fact she credited almost all the artists is amazing, definitely convinced me to go next time.

[@TheHiScoreShow]

I now want to get one of those chubby kittys from Nyan_Q, I lost my cat last year and would love to get one to honor both of our cats. 15:18

[@indigosmars_old]

"hey wallet can I talk to you for a second"

[@Mak1moe]

AAH THE THUMBNAIL ARTISTS ART IS SO CUTE KHEECHUU DID SUCH A GOOD JOB!!

[@Yumichuchi]

thank you for showing this i loved seeing it

[@nyx_aka_jamieee]

Not gonna lie, I was not expecting to start crying because of a sweet cat figurine's backstory. The artist's love for his late cat and cats in general shows in the lovingly crafted figurines, but even moreso in the additional description. If anyone reading this comment has cats or access to cats, please give them some love for me, I'm not living with mine right now so I can't cry into their fur until they hate me or I start sneezing

[@upsidedownsometimes]

I lost my childhood cat in october and that message from that artist pulled on my heartstrings