Fire Emblem fans in Japan can look forward to an exciting event next month: Fire Emblem Cipher Festival 2018. Like the previous two years, the event will occur at two separate “east” and “west” venues, on different days.
Since its inception, Fire Emblem Cipher Festival celebrates all things Fire Emblem, although there is of course a big focus on the Cipher card game. Fans can enter for free and enjoy a variety of activities. Below, we’ll outline the event details.
First things first, everyone who visits will receive a pair of cutesy (young) Tiki and Nowi promotional cards. These will be handed out once the event ends and each set is limited to one per person. So no leaving and re-entering to grab loads!
Cipher Festival 2018 West
| Date | Sunday 4th March |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:00 to 16:00 (doors close 15:30) |
| Venue | Kobe Fashion Mart (Atrium Plaza on 1st floor) |
| Address | 6 Chome-9 Koyochonaka, Higashinada Ward, Kobe (Direct link from Rokko Liner Island Center Station) |
| Notes | No participation fee |
Cipher Festival 2018 East
| Date | Sunday 11th March |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:00 to 16:00 (doors close 15:30) |
| Venue | Makuhari Messe (International Exhibition Hall 8) |
| Address | 2 Chome-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi (10 mins on foot from Kanai Makuhari Station on JR Keiyo Line) |
| Notes | No participation fee |
Cipher Main Stage
On the main stage, there will be introductions, mini concerts, tournaments (both friendly and competitive), talk shows etc. The presenters are Takahashi Minami (Peri and Alice) [West] and Yamamura Hibiku (Rinea and Shade) [East].
Signings
Several Cipher illustrators, plus Ike’s voice actor, will be appearing for signing sessions. Priority tickets for a specific guest are given to those who purchase at least one piece of merchandise. To speed up the process, signing sheets (shown above) will be provided.
- West: Kawasumi, Tetsu Kurosawa, Hidari, Fuzichoco, Mayo, Michihiko Hagi
- East: Yusuku Kozaki, Rika Suzuki, Saori Toyota, Masaki Hirooka, lack, Michihiko Hagi
Merchandise
You can’t have a Fire Emblem event without things to buy. Those who spend over 1000 Yen in one transaction are eligible for a Delthea promotional card, which was previously available from Comiket 93.
Fire Emblem Cipher Artworks I~XI (Art books) – 2,000 Yen each
If you haven’t seen these before, they’re thin glossy art books with a dozen or so full page illustrations. XI is the new one here–based on Cipher Series 11 Glorious Twinstrike, which gathers characters from The Sacred Stones, Echoes and Warriors.
Play Mats – 3,500 Yen each
These can be used for playing Cipher or similar card games, or just for displaying etc. Comes in Lucina and Tiki+Nowi varieties. Apparently the Lucina artwork is brand new and probably comes from Series 13.
Bond Decorating Card Stand (White) – 1,800 Yen
A very fancy card stand that can display two cards at once–perfect for the many joined art cards out there. Also comes with a pair of marvelous Azura promotional cards illustrated by Yusuke Kozaki, which were given out during earlier events.
Card Binder – 3,000 Yen each
The perfect way to store and show off your Cipher cards. The one on the left (white version) is new. For those unaware, the new sprites on these binders were designed for merchandise purposes and do not reflect future game plans.
Clear File Set (3 files) – 1,000 Yen
A set of 3 highly desirable clear files, for storing a few documents or just for collecting. The front designs are shown along the top, while below are the back designs.
Domiterior (includes key chain) – 500 Yen each
These are keychains that also double as display pieces when combined with a stand. They come blind-bagged, so you’ll have to be lucky (or smart) to get the character(s) you want. From what I can tell, these are all different from the ones at Comiket 93.
Sleeve Collection – 700 Yen each
A pack of sleeves featuring either artwork of Summer Corrin or Summer Sharena. These were previously included in the two players boxes at Comiket 93. Given how rare and pricey the boxes are, it’s nice to have the sleeves available separately.
Love and Bonds Illustration Book – 2,800 Yen
A book containing commemorative illustrations for Cipher‘s 1st and 2nd anniversaries. During Comiket 93, it was included in a bundle together with a special talk CD. If you missed it the first time, now’s your chance and mine to snag it!
Last but not least, there will be starter decks and booster packs etc. for sale as well.
Stamp Area
Fans can collect stamps from designated zones inside the venue. Those who gather 3 or more stamps can choose 3 special marker cards to take home, from a choice of 13. Hmm, better choose wisely!
The zones that give stamps:
- Free Battle Area/Ladies Only Battle Area: Enjoy unrestricted Cipher battles with your favourite decks. There’s also an area just for females, so they can play with ease.
- Cipher Festival Battle Tournament: An 8 person tournament where the winner can earn a certificate and one of the 13 special marker cards.
- Cipher Demo Area: Learn how to play Cipher from the experts! Decks will be provided, so visitors can just drop in.
- Everyone’s Message Board: There will be three message boards for visitors to share their colouring ins, emotional Fire Emblem stories and haikus for everyone to see.
- Quiz Area: Enter teams and compete to see who has the most Fire Emblem knowledge! Teams are put together by the staff, so visitors don’t have to worry about finding team mates.
Cipher Land
Said to be a mysterious land of dreams.
- TCG (Tap-Tap Card Game) Cipher Origami Sumo Tournament: A tournament using Cipher cards as origami sumo wrestlers. Feel free to Google if confused.
- Pair Match Game (Concentration): Concentration, but played with Cipher cards. How good is your memory?
- No Monsters Game Area: Old Maid where the undesirable card is a Monster (from The Sacred Stones etc.). Bonus points for creativity!
- Photograph Area: Take dazzling photographs with replicas of the Fire Emblems, legendary weapons and more (shown above). How much is a plane ticket to Japan again…?
