UlasanAnime.com – As the curtains close on Otakon 2016, the convention marks a significant turning point, being its last hurrah in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. This move to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. is driven by the increasing need for larger, more modern facilities, as the Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) struggles to accommodate the con’s growth.
The BCC, showing its age, would require substantial renovations to even be considered for future Otakon events. Given the lack of significant development in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor over the past decade, a return to the BCC seems improbable before the current contract with the D.C. venue concludes.
Beyond facility limitations, Otakon faces challenges stemming from outdated contracts with various local entities. Many of these agreements, signed in the 1990s, impose restrictions such as limitations on ticketing and online streaming of programming. The relocation offers an opportunity to renegotiate these policies and modernize the convention’s operations.
However, not all of Otakon’s 2016 issues can be attributed to its location. A noticeable absence of some key attendees, often referred to as “whales,” was observed this year. This is partly due to AnimeFest in Dallas attracting prominent guests, including those involved with the classic series Urusei Yatsura. The presence of figures like Takada Akemi and veteran voice actors at AnimeFest drew away some of the usual Otakon crowd.
Despite these challenges, Otakon 2016 still offered memorable experiences. A highlight for many was the appearance of Makino Yui. Her Q&A session provided insights for fans, and her autograph session, featuring Mayu’s signature, was particularly cherished. Makino Yui’s performance, though brief, was a welcome addition, especially after initial uncertainties about her participation were resolved about six weeks prior to the event.
Her musical set included a mix of familiar hits like “World Tour” and newer tracks, leaving attendees satisfied despite the short duration.
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— ???? (@yuiyui_makino) August 14, 2016
The author opted to skip most autograph sessions this year, but managed to connect with the PA Works team on Friday and Michi on Sunday. This decision meant missing out on potential interactions with Kazutomi-kun and guests from Escaflowne and Bones.
The IDOLM@STER fan panel, attended only at its tail end due to a preference for watching Kayanomi in the hotel, was described as a panel geared towards newcomers and fans deeply invested in idol anime. While the presenter was knowledgeable and well-researched, the panel’s perspective seemed slightly outdated, potentially overlooking developments in the IDOLM@STER franchise since 2011, including the absence of SideM.
A brief mention was made of TM Revolution’s shirt removal in the “Raimei” PV, followed by an hour spent enjoying the humorous SME PV panel.
The pre-con Otakon Matsuri featured notable performances by Diana Garnet and Lotus Juice & Hirata Shihoko. Garnet was characterized as a typical “gaijin entertainer,” while Lotus Juice’s presence evoked a sense of an alternate reality for the author’s cousin. Although not deeply familiar with Persona music, the author recognized Lotus Juice’s contributions to anime soundtracks, particularly the intense fight theme from Noragami.
Otakon 2016 drew nearly 30,000 attendees, but the extremely hot and humid weather significantly impacted the convention experience, making it feel draining and miserable. The outdoor Matsuri, while reminiscent of similar events at the Nagoya Anison Fest, amplified the heat. Despite some coordination issues with Matsuri acts, Otakon has shown improvement in this area.
Concluding the weekend was a performance by the rock band ALL OUT on Sunday. Featuring an English-speaking frontman from California, the band delivered a powerful set, including recognizable themes from Heavy Object and Mob Psycho 100. Their energetic performance provided a fitting end to the convention, though issues with crowd control and people obstructing views detracted slightly from the experience.
Thank you for coming our show!
We love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!#Otakon #Otakon2016 #alloff pic.twitter.com/78NA2ACJer— ALL OFF (@ALLOFFofficial) August 14, 2016
The culinary experiences during Otakon week included a delicious, albeit pricey, meal at Fogo on Saturday. Friday was dedicated to crabs, with visits to several establishments in Fell’s Point. Thursday saw the traditional gathering meal at Tir na Nog. While Baltimore’s Inner Harbor may not be a prime culinary destination, it offers a variety of reasonably priced dining options. Shake Shack also made a return appearance, a familiar sight for someone working in Midtown.
