An important member of the WCS event has "graduated",  moving on to the next phase in her life. Mika Nakayama announcer has been the face for most formal events for the World Cosplay Summit from the beginning in 2003. She joined TV Aichi 4 and half years ago and has always been involved in the presentation and operation of the event. The first picture here is of her speaking on stage during WCS 2005 at the Expo Dome.

The fact is that the time in the sun for an TV announcer in Japan is a short and brilliant one. Often they are expected to move on through marriage or a job change and make room for the younger generation of announcers. I have heard that this sad moving on is similar to the brief beauty of the cherry blossom season which is so popular in Japan. Or perhaps the short sweetness of life itself...

Here is a picture of her waving in front with everyone else during the live TV show that was aired this year during WCS 2006.

Perhaps I am getting a little too sentimental about it all but I am saddened in losing a member of the team who has such skill and experience behind her. To hear her speak with her profound selection of expressions was magical. She possesing an unfalteringly strong stage presence and was the backbone behind the often excited stage-frightened and/or nervous performers and presenters who were on stage with her.(This includes myself) 

Here is a picture of her accepting gifts at the staff Goodbye Party for her.

Her skill and composure will continue to grace a stage in her future without a doubt. All the best in the future and your presence will be missed...

Thank you Mika!