UlasanAnime.com – This article reflects on the author’s experiences and thoughts regarding eventing in 2015, offering a personal yet insightful look into the motivations and implications of attending various gatherings.
The author begins by acknowledging previous, more extensive drafts on the topic of eventing in 2015, but opts for a more concise summary to convey the core message. The central idea is that eventing is fundamentally about creating lasting memories and mitigating future regret. It’s presented as a potentially more fulfilling use of time and resources compared to typical otaku pursuits.
A key point raised is the distinction between immediate dangers associated with eventing, such as the “YOLO” aspect, and a more insidious threat: addiction. The author suggests that the allure of these events can become compulsive, posing a greater long-term risk than impulsive decisions made in the moment.
More significantly, eventing is framed as an exercise in developing maturity and the ability to prioritize effectively. This involves making conscious choices about how one allocates time, money, and energy. It’s not about abstaining from events entirely, nor is it solely about attending events to escape one’s current life. Instead, it’s a nuanced approach, recognizing that sometimes attending events is beneficial, while other times it is not. The author notes that abstracting these ideas too far can lead to obvious, almost cliché, conclusions.
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On a personal level, the author feels they attended a sufficient number of events in 2015. 
The highlight of the author’s eventing year was Lantis Fest Vegas, which coincided with Otakon Vegas. This particular weekend stood out due to the significant number of people, over 30 including local attendees, who managed to spend almost the entire time together. This extended “offkai” (off-line gathering) spanned three days, with the group sharing accommodation in three suites within the same building. The “P team” (presumably fans of The Idolm@ster) were able to collectively watch historic moments unfold via Nico Nama streams. The experience was further enriched by typical Vegas attractions, including photoshoots in front of the Bellagio fountains in peculiar outfits, karaoke, drinks, shared meals, and parties. This communal experience, amplified by shared core interests, made it a truly great time. The Lantis Fest itself was also highly enjoyable, rounding out the weekend.
When considering actual event-focused experiences, the I’ve Sound 15th anniversary event is cited as a strong contender. This was due to its impressive setlist and the caliber of performers. The venue, Tokyo Dome City Hall, offered good visibility even from the second floor. The event successfully blended nostalgia with new material, featuring dream collaborations alongside performances by newer I’ve artists. The author admits this event was long overdue on their personal list.
The third, or perhaps second, most significant event was IM@S 10th. This event was “mind-blowing” both in its scale and in the spontaneous “offkai” that occurred. Overseas fans visiting Tokyo around the same time were able to gather and hang out. The primary drawback of IM@S 10th was the weather, with scorching heat on the first day and rain making the merchandise sales (“buppan”) experience miserable. The author also experienced personal discomfort due to a physical ailment, which was unavoidable.
Honorable mentions for the year include:
- Anime North Offkai: The author still owes a dedicated post for this event and assures readers it has not been forgotten.
- WUG 2nd Osaka: Praised for its great venue and the opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances. Osaka itself is described as a cool city.
- Aisute: Zenzen Aitakatta: The music provided was exactly what the author needed at the time.
- Okui Masami Birthday Live: This event had a more profound impact on the author than I’ve Sound’s 15th anniversary. The author had a good view, but the atmosphere felt distinctly different from other anison (anime song) lives they had attended.
- AWS events: fhana & Katofuku: Both performances were excellent, though short. The author expressed relief at finally seeing fhana live, as missing their first solo live while in Tokyo had been a source of considerable regret throughout the year.
- Trysail Tryangle Harmony public recording (March): This event is remembered with enthusiasm, marked by enthusiastic exclamations of “MOCHOOOOOO honto dayooooo let’s kouken MOCHOOOOO.”
The author laments being too busy in 2015 to compile statistical posts for IM@S 10th and Anime North, though they leave open the possibility of doing so later.
A lighthearted postscript questions whether celebrating birthdays at Characro would count as attending an event.
This article is part of a “Year-in-review 2015” series, with links to other related posts:
