UlasanAnime.com – The second day of Otakon 2012 offered a condensed yet engaging experience, with activities running from early morning until late afternoon.
The evening concluded with a pleasant three-hour spent at a tapas restaurant, filled with conversation and drinks. This was a welcome respite, especially after running on minimal energy. Upon returning to the hotel room, the scene that awaited was still quite memorable.
The convention itself felt rather compact. The day’s programming kicked off early with NISA’s inaugural East Coast anime panel, which notably included a pre-arranged audience member to facilitate the announcement of Umineko. The con activities wrapped up relatively early in the afternoon, concluding after Maruyama’s MAPPA panel and the Madoka autograph session. Unless one was participating in Yuuka’s press events, most activities were finished by 6 PM or earlier.
While 6 PM was considered late, the author opted to spend time in the dealer’s room playing Tanto Cuore, spreading the “Love maid love.” There was a desire to have also played some Riichi mahjong with the enthusiasts present. The thought of playing tenhou in real life crossed the mind, a more engaging prospect than tweeting across the dinner table.
Ai Nonaka’s panel was a standout event. As a long-time fan, the author admits a bias, but it’s uncommon for a Japanese voice actor guest to encourage extensive photography and pose with double-V signs for the audience. While there were a few female attendees in the front row, the gesture was appreciated. Nonaka’s English proficiency was passable, though she tended to use simple phrases and relied on the translator, Taka, for more complex communication. Despite being an early-morning panel, she exuded considerable energy, making it one of the best voice actor panels experienced.
Yuuka’s panel was fairly predictable, with her maintaining a straightforward approach throughout.
Aya Hirano’s panel was also as expected. She demonstrated a good sport’s attitude and a high level of professionalism. The “Katja line” segment required a certain level of bravery, but Hirano seemed to embrace the spirit of the moment while maintaining control, showcasing her professionalism.
Overall, there were no major complaints. The main objectives for the day were met. Urobuchi’s interview was successful, although the author felt it could have benefited from an additional ten minutes, if not an entire hour, given his relatable nature and shared interests.
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The day was filled with plenty of Tanto Cuore and MJ, contributing to a thoroughly enjoyable time.
