Guests
Music
Orchestre portable de jeux vidéo (OPJV)
Qtopia
TurboQuest
Guest Show
Ciné-Nacho (Pokemon)
Hobbies
Les V d’Anges
Gunpla Montreal (GMTL)
Nadeshiko Club
Literary creation
Valérie Harvey
Alexandre Jouan
VOICE ACTOR
LAURA FAYE SMITH
Laura Faye Smith is an LA-based voice actor, best known for voicing Princess Rosalina for Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers games (starting with Super Mario 3D World in 2013) and Noelle in Genshin Impact.
She has also voiced Kana (male) for Nintendo’s English cast of Fire Emblem Fates, Tamara “Meds” Melari in the ongoing sci-fi audiodrama The Sojourn, as well as numerous characters for Mad Head Games.
She has done an extensive amount of commercials, dubbing, theatre, and audiobooks. She appeared as DeEtta Calvert on NBC’s Grimm, and has also appeared in TNT’s Leverage, Brat TV’s Chicken Girls, and Investigation Discovery’s Betrayed and Stranger Among Us.
COSPLAY
LADY MOONMOTH AND DARAGONNE
For 10 years now, Lady Moonmoth and Daragonne have been creating intricate costumes and exploring the various paths that cosplay has to offer.
Lady MoonMoth loves adding little details and perfecting her art, even knitting her own socks. On the other hand, Daragonne, jack-of-all-trades, prefers to explore new techniques and try new things.
Passionate about costume history and united in their love for Jamie Fraser, the two cosplayers have come together to form DragonMoth and will represent Canada at the World Cosplay Summit 2025 in Nagoya.
MARIE-CLAUDE BOURBONNAIS
My name is Marie-Claude Bourbonnais, I’m 45 and I’m a multidisciplinary artist specialized in pattern drafting and sewing. I love fashion design, arts and crafts from all around the world and Japanese pop culture. 🙂 I discovered cosplay back in 2010 while attending a big American convention with a friend. It was the beginning of my cosplay adventure.
My presence in the cosplay community didn’t go unnoticed. I was already known as a nude model online and I had been published in a few adult magazines. At first, many thought that I couldn’t possibly make my costumes all by myself. But after a few years and many costumes later, people realized that you can indeed be a model and a professional seamstress. 😉
As an artisan, I can work with any kind of fabric, genuine leather, latex sheets and I’ve learned how to integrate prop/armor pieces to my costumes. I explored 3D printing, molding, casting, I used resins, silicones, fiberglass and in the past years, I’ve also been building my own photosets for my photoshoots in my workshop. My last discovery: upholstery techniques to build a giant pouf for a photoset. I’ll show you the making of pics! 😀
Looking forward to seeing you at my panel. I have tons of making of pics to show you. Let’s share our knowledge and skills! 🙂
“SO AND SEW” – COUPLE COSPLAY – J-F L. BIBEAU & LEX NASSOPOULOS
Between the two of them, J-F and Lex have more years of experience in cosplay than the average age of con-goers ! They attended a number of cons across the United States and Canada. J-F has an impressive number of awards under his belt for his crafting excellence and his comedic performances, and he reached the level of Master at Costume-con 2009.
Lex is known for her multiple versions of Harley Quinn as well as several alternate versions of famous characters, and her creations are available at her artist tables. J-F is a content creator and host of hilarious and engaging activities, known for his portrayal of Emperor Kuzco and Loki, and he is the author of four successful satirical novels imbued with fantasy. Together, they are… so and sew!
MUSIC
ORCHESTRE PORTABLE DE JEUX VIDÉO (OPJV)
L’Orchestre portable de jeux vidéo (OPJV) is a musical ensemble composed of 18 musicians and conducted by Sébastien Wall-Lacelle that produces video game music concerts. Its unique instrumental composition brings an original orchestral experience that proposes new colours and textures to orchestral video game soundtracks.
The performance presented at Nadeshicon Festival, will explore the acclaimed soundtracks of the greatest video game franchises: the Final Fantasy series, Legend of Zelda, indie games, etc.
QTOPIA
Created in 2022, Qtopia is a dance crew who covers K-pop choreographies, films them and posts their videos on different platforms.
The crew’s nine members – Maé, Sophia, Maude, Rosalie, Coraly, Mya, Laurie, Jenny and Elina – are proud and excited to represent the K-pop community in Québec and to perform at this year’s Nadeshicon Festival.
TURBOQUEST
TurboQuest, formerly known as Tortuga, is a Montreal-based rock-metal musical group dedicated to bringing back to life video game classics while giving them a whole new dimension. All five members share the same two passions: music, and of course video games.
Each musician can bring a unique touch and distinct sound both in writing and in interpretation thanks to their accomplished musical careers. Sometimes heavy, sometimes melodious, TurboQuest will take you from one universe to another so that your inner gamer will be filled with nostalgia.
GUEST SHOW
CINE-NACHO PRESENT: POKEMON – COMEDY SHOW
The Ciné-Nacho show is presented by: Vincent Descôteaux, Rafaële Bolduc, Maxime Ève Gagnon, William Bernaquez and Jérôme Morissette.
Vincent is a comedian, host, producer, photographer, videographer, teacher and live model when groceries are expensive. He is a kind of one-man band who takes on artistic projects in order to continue to realize his two dreams: to make a living from his art and never have to go back to work at the Apple Store.
Rafaële is interested in both the content and the container of a comedy act. She has fun with the classic codes of stand-up, often to make them visible to the public. Her goal is also to demystify and break down taboos surrounding mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. She indulges in self-mockery with bite and a touch of absurdity. Not all of that at the same time, but it still happens.
Maxime Ève is a comedian who has participated in MiniFest, Zoofest, ComediHa! Club and the Just for Laughs festival. She travels all over Quebec to make people laugh and has already given talks about her experience as a trans woman. She covers topics close to her, such as her trans identity, her sexuality, her origins and her everyday life.
William is a silly comedian, but who is not afraid to laugh at himself and his life experiences. Always smiling and in a good mood, he delivers his performances with nonchalance and great innocence! After graduating from the École nationale de l’humour in 2019, he participated in his first gala at the Montreux Comedy Festival the same year. He is the host of the podcast L’insolence du Quotidien on Radio-Canada OHdio.
Jérôme is kind of a ball of love, jokes and geek references. With a long experience in stand-up, show concept, podcast and a bit of computer science studies, Jérôme has an undeniable charisma that makes him so solid on stage. He loves talking about Pokémon and it’s kind of his dream come true to get paid to do it.
CULTURAL
CHADO URASENKE TANKOKAI DE QUÉBEC
Our association, founded in 2011, is part of the non-profit organization Tankokai of Kyoto, Japan, and our mission is to make known the way of tea. We have made several presentations of the tea ceremony in various cultural events in Quebec such as: Museum of Civilization of Quebec, Jardin Quatre vents de la Malbaie, Gabrielle-Roy Library, Expo cité Pavillon Japon, New Year’s party of the Association d’amitié Québec-Japon and many more.
Throughout the world, tea has vast popularity, but no country has as much cultural richness on tea as Japan. In Japan, the way a bowl of tea is prepared has been particularly refined by cultural and aesthetic development. Chado, a term meaning “the way of tea”, is conceived as a way of life, resulting in a true work of art, contributing to the development of craftsmanship in Japan, but also changing the way people live in daily life. Chado is not only a method of preparing tea, it is also the art of making utensils, the deep knowledge of arts and literature, architecture, the construction of tea houses, the art of gardens, and many other areas. Now that modern advancements and mechanization have spared humans the toughest tasks, the time and energy taken in preparing a bowl of tea might seem unnecessary. But a cup of tea prepared according to the principles of Chado is a ritual intended to restore the inner tranquility which is a basic human need. It is a ritual of simplicity and sobriety in which everyone can find “peace in a bowl of tea”.
MARTIN SAVARD
Martin Savard is passionate about Rakugo.
What is Rakugo?
Rakugo is a form of traditional Japanese comedy theater. It is characterized by a narrator (the Rakugoka) who tells a humorous story using only a fan and a small cushion as props, seated on a tatami in front of an audience seated in a circle.
The story told by the Rakugoka is often a short story, based on a main character who finds himself in an absurd or comical situation. Stories usually have an unexpected ending that makes the audience laugh.
Although Rakugo is traditionally told in Japanese, it has also been adapted into other languages, including English and French. It is also a wish of Martin Savard to interpret the tales and legends of Quebec in the Japanese way.
Come meet him at his panel entitled; Rakugo : les contes insolents.
KOMACHI MONTREAL
Komachi Montreal is a Japanese dance group established in 2007 that performs Japanese folk dances throughout the Montreal region as well as in Quebec City, New York and Ottawa. Their performances aim to make you live pleasant moments while sharing the great diversity of Japanese culture with you.
This message is for you, festival-goers : Come and share the festive energy of our performance ! We will also present a Japanese drums performance and a traditional dance called “Bon Odori”. Dance with us and enjoy yourself with Komachi Montreal !
CLUB DE SHODO DE QUEBEC
We are a calligraphy group that has been active since 2017 under the guidance of calligraphy master Shoho Teramoto at Espace Japon, Université Laval, in Quebec. Currently, we have about 30 members. Last autumn, our first calligraphy exhibition, held at a gallery in Quebec, welcomed over 900 visitors. We look forward to meeting you!
JAPANESE PASTRY KOTOAN WAGASHI
KotoAn Wagashi is a small producer of handmade special Japanese sweets based in Montreal. The patissier, Misao Tsutsumi, born in Gunma, Japan, has been preparing food for many years, and has received professional training in Japanese confectionery. Our specialty is Nerikiri, but we also make other casual Japanese sweets, such as Daifuku-Mochi, Zunda-Daifuku, Yuzu-Mochi, Sakura-Mochi, etc. Our Nerikiri is available at Miyamoto in Westmount, and we participate in many cultural pop-up events in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. We also offer workshops where you can shape beautiful Nerikiri, and demonstrations of Nerikiri preparation for parties. Come try the taste and discover Japanese culture!
Panel:Nerikiri – Beautiful Japanese Sweets
Misao Tsutsumi also holds a teaching license from Miyagi Koto Association (Ikuta school) since 1991. In 2014, she resumed performing the koto in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for local communities. In 2016, she has performed the koto in Montreal at fundraising events as well as cultural and educational events. Rediscovering the beauty of the koto, she is now introducing this traditional instrument in Canada. Tommy Bissonnette, born in Quebec province, has been learning the koto from Misao since the spring of 2023 and seeks to further his knowledge of the instrument. Together, they will offer a performance that you won’t want to miss!
Panel: Experience of Koto World
MARTIAL ARTS
BUJINKAN QUEBEC
Founded over forty years ago, Bujinkan Québec has become the premier reference for ninjutsu in Quebec. Students here learn to develop skills, rather than to overload their memory trying to memorize every technique. Students are taught hand-to-hand combat, as well as self-defence and the use of traditional Japanese weapons and modern ones.
The focus is on personal development, and it is not about competing with fellow students. Bernard Grégoire, founder of Bujinkan Québec, was awarded the title of Dai Shihan directly by Hatsumi sensei and continues to train regularly in Japan, because in this martial art, one never stops learning.
DOJO OF BEAUPORT
Iaido is a traditional Japanese martial art centered on the use of the katana, the emblematic weapon of the feudal samurai. The discipline focuses on the perfection of movements and the efficiency of techniques, mainly drawing and counter attacking, and also includes a strong spiritual aspect.
Learning takes place mainly with an iaito (replica katana), through the repetition of katas, which are sequences of movements following a predefined script, on the ground or standing. In addition, applying these techniques with one or more partners, this time with a wooden sword (bokken), helps develop a sense of timing and distance.
The Dojo de Beauport iaido section was created in 2005, and attracts people from a wide range of backgrounds, including enthusiasts of Japanese culture and practitioners of other martial arts. We regularly take part in demonstrations and workshops around the province, and even outside Quebec.
SHINKENDO QUEBEC
Shinkendo is a Japanese sword school that offers you a perfect combination of Japanese traditions and Toshishiro Obata’s modern vision of martial arts.
There are five major aspects that define the art of the sword: Suburi, Tanrengata, Tachi Uchi, Battoho and Tameshigiri. Shinkendo teaches that all these concepts are closely intertwined with each other and are inseparable. Each technique practiced directly influences the learning of the other spheres of skill, thus allowing us to better grasp the subtleties and deepen the concepts of the art of the Japanese sword.
It is by studying and exploring these 5 spheres that we seek the true way of the sword (Shin-Ken-Do).
HOBBIES
LES V D’ANGES – THE ESSENTIAL TRIO OF QUEBEC VTUBING
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of V d’Anges, a group of Quebec vtubers composed of LuluneTV, MissLouvely and SwtVanille.
Passionate about streaming and geek culture, they host “The V Podcast”, a monthly show where they discuss the latest vtubing news, video games and various subjects with humor and authenticity. With their contagious energy and their unique complicity, they create a warm and entertaining space for their community.
Find them live on Twitch and come meet them during the convention to learn more about their world and share an unforgettable moment with them!
GUNPLA MONTREAL
Founded in 2014, Gunpla Montréal is the first model building club specializing in the mecha, anime and sci-fi genre in Quebec province. Its members frequently host workshops and panels to share their passion. They have participated in several Canadian conventions, including Anime North and Comiccon.
But it was in 2017 that the club succeeded in bringing the Gunpla Builders World Cup (GBWC) to Canada, thus positioning the country on the international Gunpla scene. Thanks to the club’s passion and dedication, Gunpla now has an important place in Quebec’s geek and anime culture.
NADESHIKO CLUB
The Nadeshiko Club is an informal coalition of experienced panellists dedicated to the diffusion of quality content, mainly in French, at the various conventions of the province of Quebec. We specialize in anime and Japanese popular culture, but we also cover geek culture in general.
Our members have been doing panels at Nadeshicon since the creation of the event. For the first time, we are lucky enough to be able to present panels to you for most of the convention continuously!
LITERARY CREATION
VALÉRIE HARVEY
Valérie Harvey has written several works, including novels inspired by Japan with Les Fleurs du Nord (2018 Youth Prize for Parallel Universes); L’Ombre du Shinobi (finalist for the 2020 Quebec City Literary Creation Prize), and L’Héritage du Kami.
She studied Japanese fertility rates and the involvement of fathers in Quebec and Japan. She also translated the children’s poet Misuzu Kaneko with Nous sommes tous différents et nous sommes tous beaux.
She teaches a course on manga at university. As a sociologist, she collaborates on several programs, particularly on ICI Radio-Canada Première’s radio.
ALEXANDRE JOUAN
Contemplative by nature and a fan of long hikes, Alexandre Jouan chose to explore Japan by walking the 1,200 km pilgrimage of the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku, a journey that dates back to the Heian period.
He recounts this exceptional adventure, both human and spiritual, in the book “Shikoku, corps et âme”, which has just been published by Éditions Amalthée. He had previously contributed to the chapter dedicated to Shikoku in the guide “Fabuleux Japon” , published by Éditions Ulysse.
Passionate about classical literature and ancient arts, Alexandre has been studying the Way of Writing (Shodō) for many years with Master Shoho Teramoto. He participated in the exhibition “Québec, Japon et moi”, which showcased the works of Master Teramoto and his students, held in Québec last September at the Galerie du Trait-Carré in Charlesbourg. A second exhibition, featuring new works, is currently underway at the Ozu Washi Gallery in Tokyo.