The greatest festival is going on in Japan as
you read this...it is called: (Monster Hunter Festa '09)!

These are one of those events, I truly wish
I could be a part of, and I'm sure all of us
Monster Hunter fans who don't live in Japan,
will also wish to be able to attend.  It seems
like millions of people came to the festival!

Previous MHFestas have been focused primarily
on the PSP MH games, but this is the first Wii
based festival (but the PSP Hunters are still
welcomed, of course). But whats a festival without
it's booth games?

And how about the attractions?

Here's what greets you upon entrance to the Festival.

Above is the guy in the Ragiakurusu armor!
And next are the lovely ladies of the MHfesta

Next are a couple of classic attractions from past
MHFestivals as well as some newer stuff! Like
the head sculpts of Lao Shan Lung & of Ragiakurusu!!

Otomo Airu is also present
As well as the rock formation from the Airu village!

We all know the above weapon is a life sized Tactical Blade.
Nearby is the "take-your-arse-back to camp-cart" Airu!

And whats a MHfestival without the skull of Ragiakurusu!
But I like this new attraction: Life sized footprints of
Monsters from the series!

The lady above is standing in the footprint of Lao Shan Lung!
All 417cm (almost 14ft long!) of it!

And some nice artwork!

And what is a festival without a wishing panel?  Here you
can purchase one of these..

Then write your wish on a card and post it on the panel!
This one hunter wished for 3,000 Kajikimaguro (a tuna)!

Above is the Airu figure display, and the picture below
is a life size figure of the MH3(tri~) Shark!

Speaking of pictures, you can take yours like this!

And aside attractions, there is a ton of shopping!

It is here where you will see awesome Monster Hunter swag like...

Yes...your eyes aren't deceiving you, that is...toilet paper!!

And will all of the things to see and do, one can easily get
famished, and the food at the festa, sure looks delish!!

The above rice crackers crack me up! The quote says:
"I was at there! At Monster Hunter Festival 09!"

But this festival revolves around the Competition! But before
I get into that, this MC is quite captivating...

ahem...uh, yeah...back to the competition!

For the first time ever, the Champion gets this super cool belt!

Here's some video of the competions!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPMhrpjEr9Q

There is a lot more going on so take a look at Dengeki's coverage for a more detailed article!
blog.dengeki.com/mh/2009/08/28_170056.ph...

news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/188/188575...

Here's a blog of one of the Capcom lady's dressed in costume!
ameblo.jp/chiori-akt247/image-1032716531...

Although there was no updated poster of this...

I really like this poster the best!

This Festival is amazing, and the best way to describe
it is to paraphrase "Q" from ST:TNG;
"containing wonders more incredible than you
can possibly imagine, and Monster terrors to
freeze your soul..."

Anyone get a wind of this virus?  Some, like me
got it worse than others.  As such, I will use
this time to express my Monster Hunter passion!

Remember Indiana Jone's father? Grail Lore was
his obsession......and aside my wife....

.....This is my "Holy Grail!!"

Some people collect stamps, canadian quarters,
I get my kicks playing and collecting MONSTER HUNTER
games, as well as office badge decals, Hunting Cards.....

Monster Hunter Figures, BBQ spit timer, poogie.....

Monster Hunter Poster, calendar.....

PSP grip, PSP case, MONSTER HUNTER books.....

Art books, weapon replicas, cds, dvds, coasters.....

Ultra Rare Airu, mouse pad, blanket, bags, handkerchief....

PSP grip bag, drink stirrer, phone charms.....

phone decals, high grade stickers, oh my!!!

..Yeah, I got the MONSTER HUNTER virus, and it's with me as long as there is a MONSTER HUNTER to have and to hold! And with MH3(tri~) around the corner, my collection will only grow!