UlasanAnime.com – The transition to the holiday season in America, marked by Thanksgiving, felt particularly abrupt this year due to its late occurrence. This sudden shift in atmosphere became more tangible when a particular news item caught my attention.
Preparations for the holidays are already underway, with many people engaged in end-of-year blogging and Secret Santa activities. I intend to contribute my own thoughts to this festive period.
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Looking back at 2013, it was a year where many elements converged. My online writing output increased significantly, with a substantial portion being for Japanator. I’ve found myself writing for them in a capacity I had envisioned for a long time. This increased commitment means I need to make choices about where to allocate my time to maintain writing consistency. Concurrently, my anime consumption has also reached an all-time high, leading to a near cessation of novel reading. I recall finishing only two books in 2013, a trend I attribute partly to the advancements in LTE technology and the allure of video games. The availability of all three Shiny Festa games on my iPad, owning a Vita, and the opportunity to dive into games like Project Diva and Ni no Kuni have undoubtedly contributed to this shift.
While I sometimes wish I could revisit experiences like watching 12 Ghibli films in a month, my current focus is on preparation. As they say, getting “L@DY.” The truth is, I’ve been involved in this sphere for long enough to appreciate the depth and passion of the Producer fandom – those who are dedicated to Idolmaster. This particular fandom has gained more prominence for me this year compared to 2011 or 2012.
However, this hasn’t been the overarching theme. Instead, the consistent trend has been a growing excitement for things that enhance the overall experience, beyond just anime and manga. This includes meeting a favorite voice actor or attending concerts featuring music from beloved shows. Both of these experiences materialized this year, and indeed, have become recurring highlights in recent times. Otakon 2013 was a significant event. Had I not already embraced this lifestyle in 2009, it would have been an exceptionally memorable Otakon, though it was still fantastic. Conventions can be tiring, but it’s a fatigue comparable to sleep deprivation; one could easily sacrifice sleep to marathon anime or play video games. What I’m conveying is that the holistic fandom experience for the financially capable, dedicated otaku overseas has, in recent years, significantly narrowed its scope, bringing it closer to the experience in Japan. The growth of simulcasting services is merely a small facet of this broader trend.
It’s easy to point to platforms like Daisuki and Anime Sols, as they are actively promoting themselves. Meanwhile, this aspiring Producer—feeling somewhat inadequate to fully immerse myself in this fandom, yet determined to create business cards—is preparing to board a plane in February to attend M@STER OF IDOL WORLD 2014. Having undertaken a similar trip in 2013, I find myself unsettled by the prospect of two trips to Japan within a 12-month period. It appears that the logistical and legal barriers between Japan and its distributed works are gradually diminishing. This is undoubtedly positive for businesses that rely on international travel. I even met my first UK Producer this year, a testament to the expanding global reach.
Setting aside the “World Is All One” sentiment, 2013 was a good year. I do hope my next trip will involve more than just attending concerts, as this upcoming trip is shaping up to be another “stay in Tokyo the whole time” affair. Perhaps I could fit in some sightseeing with a day trip, maybe to Mt. Takao. I recall there being a Yama no Suzume trail, right?
At least that hike is relatively short.
Year in Review 2013 Index:
