UlasanAnime.com – Anime Expo 2016 has concluded, leaving behind a wealth of experiences and a significant amount of material to cover. A key takeaway from this year’s event is the increasingly blurred lines between fan-centric and industry-driven conventions. This convergence is largely beneficial for attendees, as it means that major industry players are actively engaging with fans, making the overall convention experience richer. Essentially, the presence of industry booths is a welcome addition, complementing the consistent appeal of fan-oriented spaces.
Despite any past criticisms, this year’s Anime Expo was a remarkable success.
Ironically, it was the fan-driven elements that truly elevated the Anime Expo experience for me. I commissioned artwork from Yurang, whose talent is truly impressive. I also acquired pieces from Shirahane Nao. While these commissions represented a significant investment, the value derived from them felt more than justified. The proximity of the artist alley to the autograph sessions at AX allowed for browsing between signings, leading to the discovery of some fantastic prints that were subsequently gifted to friends who would appreciate them. Even the Daisuki event, detailed later, can be seen as a testament to fan initiative.
For me, the standout attraction at AX this year was Sphere. While I won’t delve into the specifics here, I had the opportunity to interview them, and I’m eager to collaborate with a friend to publish that content promptly. The more personal, intangible aspects of the interview are stories best shared in person. Following the massive Japan Super Live concert on Saturday, I felt a sense of completion for the event. The lineup for that concert was extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression. Everything that followed felt like an added bonus, and it turned out that this “bonus” came in the form of Dreaming!!
From the perspective of an iDOLM@STER producer, this AX was more engaging than ever. While the core community remains consistent, new connections and networks allowed me to meet a wider array of individuals from various regions. It was heartening to see such strong representation for Cinderella Girls, even a year after its release. A Daisuki-sponsored iDOLM@STER gathering proved to be particularly exciting, especially when free merchandise was distributed at the end of the panel. The giveaway included t-shirts for staff from the Million Live 3rd Live Tour, an unexpected and magical moment that is difficult to fully convey and best reserved for in-person storytelling. Daisuki.net provided live streaming and captured the entire event on Facebook. The following embeds offer a closer look at that memorable moment.
Calls at the Daisuki Booth im@s gathering, they were playing Cinderella Girls songs then for the encore: https://t.co/n5RhKbmOnE
— meta` (@metanyani) July 4, 2016
Million Live – Dreaming! PV at the @daisuki_net booth at AX pic.twitter.com/ANfkoCs73G
— MinhP?876 Easter Sunday (@MinhP765) July 5, 2016
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I had set a series of objectives for myself, which I’ve outlined below:
Primary Objectives:
- Consume a Californian burrito: Achieved (I enjoyed 3 burritos over the weekend)
- Acquire several iDOLM@STER sketches: Achieved (I obtained 3)
- Witness Sphere perform: Achieved (Yes! I’m becoming a fan…)
- Enjoy the Japan Super Live concert: Achieved (The highlight of the trip)
Secondary Objectives:
- Spend time with friends who are rarely seen: Achieved
- Obtain a Yamayone Mai sketch of an iDOLM@STER character: Partially unsuccessful; sketch acquired, but limited to Trigger IP only.
- Get a sketch from Yurang: Achieved
- Greet Tsukigami Luna-sensei: Achieved
- Complete all my press interviews: Achieved 3 out of an estimated 6
- Meet Aqours: Partially achieved
- Make an iDOLM@STER joke with Takatsuking
- Photograph iDOLM@STER cosplayers: Achieved
- Engage with Sekai Project founders: Largely unsuccessful
- Meet all iDOLM@STER friends attending AX: Approximately 80% completion.
- Attend a Matt Papa panel: Failed
- Try a new food item: Achieved (After all these years at AX, I had never tried Carvery until now?)
- Get an Akiman sketch: Success (In exchange, I humorously purchased 3 copies of Star Ocean 5)
- Meet/Photo with Haruna Luna: Failed
- Get Eir Aoi’s autograph: Failed
- See Lia perform: Failed
- See Michi perform: Achieved
- See Kawamori: Failed
- See Tsurumaki: Failed
- See all Japanese Seiyuu guests: Failed
- Chikappe: Achieved
- Shintani: Failed
- Sphere: Achieved
- Aqours: Partially achieved?
- Get autograph from PA Works co-founder: Failed (though I encountered him multiple times during the Bonburi event)
- Selfie with ZUN: Failed
- See Shinkai’s new movie: Failed
Spending time with friends is always a rewarding experience, and this year’s AX was so packed with activities that I couldn’t connect with everyone I intended to. Juggling between different groups was necessary, but it largely worked out, with only a few missed connections.
In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to everyone who provided information and assistance with ticketing. Special thanks to AlexD for his invaluable help with meticulous planning, and to all the producers who attended and whom I met for the first time or reconnected with. Their presence significantly enhanced the enjoyment of this convention. Anime Expo owes a debt of gratitude to all of you.
Here are some photos from the event.
P.S. I limited my food consumption this year due to my avoidance of large crowds, both inside and outside the LACC, which meant less exploration of food trucks. I opted for burritos from Danny’s, conveniently located near the Residence Inn. The Residence Inn offers superior value compared to the JW, particularly with its breakfast offerings.
P.P.S. A special thanks to Lumica for partially sponsoring our Daisuki P gathering! After using their Daisenkos throughout the weekend, I find them slightly preferable to Flash Bombers, despite the higher cost.
