UlasanAnime.com – The Anime Next 2014 event concluded, and with it, several memorable moments and insights into the anime industry and its creators.
A humorous situation arose when ten individuals and Luna Haruna wanted to pose for a group photo. Following this memorable photo opportunity, one of the main event promoters expressed interest in collaborating to promote Luna Haruna. While the author found this agreeable, noting that personal preferences lean towards the live performance aspect and Luna’s “small and cute” appeal, they also observed her unique style. Luna embodies a Harajuku-inspired fashion sense blended with otaku culture, presenting an endearing yet professional persona in her fan interactions. Her ability to carry off various clothing styles was noted, though she was not compared to Ray.
The author, residing in close proximity to Anime Next, found attending the convention effortless. To add a layer of complexity, they also hosted a barbecue, which involved extra preparations. This included hosting approximately six people, with activities such as watching Chokaigi one night and playing Mahjong and an unspecified game the following night. Additionally, episodes of Jojo and Mangaka and Assistant were viewed, reflecting a casual and enjoyable atmosphere.
A significant narrative thread from the event involved the perspective of Studio Trigger, represented by Shigeto Koyama and Hiromi Wakabayashi (Waka). Koyama, though not directly employed by Studio Trigger, has a strong connection to Gainax, having worked on notable series like Gurren Lagann and Panty Stockings. It was mentioned that Koyama suggested Imaishi, as a Gainax “underclassman,” felt a responsibility for their original creations, leading to the studio’s split. This interview was noted as requiring further examination. Wakabayashi, being particularly talkative, addressed most of the questions. The panel also provided an early look at Inferno Cop, which was described as the thematic opposite of Panty Stocking. Both Koyama and Wakabayashi appeared to have a strong personal investment in Inferno Cop, treating it as a passion project. Their approach to this project involved a “side project” style of work, dedicating twelve hours to Kill la Kill for every one hour spent on Inferno Cop.
Kill la Kill, a major release from Aniplex that summer, was identified as the primary reason for Studio Trigger’s multiple appearances at US conventions that year. Wakabayashi and Koyama played crucial roles in the production of Kill la Kill, a fact further illuminated by the Sushio interview within the Kill la Kill guidebook. According to the interview, Sushio’s initial ideas were considered too conventional, prompting Koyama and Wakabayashi to inject more “interesting” elements. The two reportedly attended design meetings and actively stimulated creative discussions. This might seem unexpected given Koyama’s typically cool and reserved demeanor, but he is known to be quite playful in informal settings. An anecdote was shared about Koyama using a marshmallow shooter at an impromptu Kill la Kill cosplay gathering after the panel, with a cosplayer dressed as a nudist beach character skillfully catching the marshmallows with their mouth.
Koyama’s contributions are considered highly significant by the author. He is believed to be a key factor in the notable quality of Star Driver. While Enokido might be the foundational influence, the author expresses a strong appreciation for Koyama’s work. This became more evident during the Kill la Kill panel when Koyama presented numerous adorable Mako drawings, showcasing both design stages and final illustrations. These drawings, while cute, possessed a slightly unconventional charm, reminiscent of the “superflat” aesthetic but adapted for broader appeal, as seen in his Wooser end card or the second ending sequence of Kill la Kill. His design work on the character Chuck was also highlighted.
The author expressed satisfaction in finally meeting @trigger_tattun, allowing for a better understanding of his personality. This interaction is hoped to foster more opportunities for Western fans to engage with the Trigger team and gain insight into their creative processes.
A secondary observation from Anime Next this year was its increasingly eclectic nature, featuring a World Cosplay Summit qualifier and a fashion ball, distinct from a costume ball. The walkway between the Doubletree and the G-Sec (as referred to by some attendees) was noted as being exceptionally crowded. The presence of cosplayers dressed as characters from IM@S in sailor swimsuit outfits, referencing G4U volume 9, was also a point of interest. The author felt these elements contributed positively to the convention experience.
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The author encountered more “Ps” (producers, likely referring to fans of THE iDOLM@STER) than in previous years, partly attributed to their distinctive Hawaiian shirt. They reconnected with a Makoto P met at the previous year’s Anime Next, this time equipped with “meshi” (food), suggesting potential for more productive interactions.
