UlasanAnime.com – Anime NYC has concluded, marking a significant event for anime enthusiasts. For the author, it held a unique personal significance due to its proximity to their workplace, allowing for a flexible attendance schedule that blended professional duties with convention enjoyment. This personal perspective offered a distinct viewpoint on the convention experience, differing from other, more distant events.


The convention is widely seen as a spiritual successor to the New York Anime Fest, sharing the same venue and a significant portion of its organizing staff. This continuity naturally invites comparisons, particularly in terms of pricing and VIP packages. Interestingly, many attendees were unaware of or had not attended NYAF, highlighting the relatively nascent state of the anime convention scene in North America.
Anime NYC was structured around several distinct programming tracks, including Princess Principal, Gundam Thunderbolt, Sailor Moon, Anisong Divas, and Overwatch. Alongside these themed events, the convention offered its usual array of industry panels and discussions. A special screening of the live-action FMA movie, complete with introductory videos, was also a notable attraction. While the author expressed limited interest in most tracks, the Gundam Thunderbolt presentation, featuring live performances, was particularly praised. The anime itself was lauded, and the live music segment was compared favorably to the Cowboy Bebop experience, with the musicians, composer, and vocalists all receiving commendation.
The primary draw for the author was the Anisong Diva Night show, produced by the same team behind previous Anisong Matsuri events. The performance was highly satisfying, fulfilling the author’s desire to hear specific songs performed live, particularly those by Chihi. Yonekura was recognized for her veteran status, while Ishida Yoko’s performance, though familiar to the author from previous encounters, was still thoroughly enjoyable, especially her rendition of the Strike Witches opening. True was positioned as a centerpiece, with her rising career trajectory evident, and the organizers appeared to be actively promoting her. The author noted seeing True for the third time that year. A highlight of the show was how each artist saved their best for last, creating a sense of climax rather than a series of uneven performances. Collaborative performances, such as “Just Communication” by the Gundam anisong singers, were well-received, though others like “Cruel Angel Thesis” and “God Knows” were considered merely adequate.
Earlier in the day, the author managed to attend a Q&A panel featuring the Anisong Divas, hosted by Danny Choo. While the panel was interesting, the questions posed by Choo were described as somewhat basic, typical of such events. The author found it reassuring that True appeared to hold her own alongside the more experienced veterans, suggesting she was likely playing it safe. The author indicated having formed a personal opinion on True’s performance, which they would share in person if asked.
Regarding other convention activities, the autograph sessions were a significant point of discussion. All “free” sessions required tickets, obtainable either by arriving early for a giveaway starting at 8 am on the day of the event or as a perk of the Premiere/VIP badge, which included four tickets. Autograph sessions for Gundam Thunderbolt seemingly required the purchase of a CD, unless one possessed the concert VIP package. The author mentioned gifting older CDs to Chihi and Ishida, a nostalgic gesture, and having True sign a towel.
A point of confusion arose regarding the value of the VIP badge, priced at $275 plus fees. Its perks, such as front-row seating and a messenger bag, overlapped with the concert-only VIP packages, which also offered additional benefits like a high-five session for Diva Night and an autograph session with a CD for Gundam Thunderbolt. The author opted for a standard ticket, saving over $100, and still managed to secure a high-touch benefit, which was not a standard perk for VIPs but was accessible to some due to enforcement inconsistencies. The experience of camping for autograph tickets on Saturday morning, requiring a 4:30 am wake-up, was described as manageable due to favorable temperatures.
The author expressed a potential willingness to purchase a VIP badge the following year if compelling guests were announced, which might create conflicts and necessitate early queuing. However, they noted that the convention’s overall smooth operation and manageable size meant that a VIP badge was not strictly essential.
In terms of merchandise, the author purchased a vinyl LP of the Thunderbolt OST and had it signed, a decision they were pleased with given the quality of the performance. They also obtained an autograph from the director of Princess Principal, an anime they found to be “pretty okay,” and acknowledged the director’s extensive prior work.
Due to work and family commitments on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the author’s ability to socialize extensively was limited, particularly outside of autograph lines. They extended apologies for not being able to connect with everyone they had intended to. Additionally, feeling unwell for much of Friday and Saturday restricted their social interactions further.
In conclusion, Anime NYC, despite being in its inaugural year, was perceived as a strong revival of the New York Anime Fest. While exhibiting some expected rough edges of a first-year event, the author anticipates that these will be smoothed out in subsequent years and expressed a willingness to return if the guest lineup is appealing.
The article concludes with a series of tweets from attendees and performers, offering visual and textual insights into the event.
?Anime NYC ANIME DIVA NIGHT???????????????I LOVE NY?Thank you fans????????New York??????????TRUE?????????????&??????PA?????Yaz??&????????????????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/Y88ufLJRMe
— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 19, 2017
The author points out Yaz in these tweets, identifying her as a key organizer for convention anisong events and suggesting attendees say hello if they see her when she’s not busy.
New York???Anime NYC ANIME DIVA NIGHT?????????????????????????????????????????????
??Yaz??????????????????????????????? ?´?`? ? pic.twitter.com/ZnqxjWYdME— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 19, 2017
You might also be interested in : Whales’ View on Loot Boxes
?Anime NYC ANIME DIVA NIGHT
?2?????&???? &??? &?????????????????????????CD??????????????????????????????????Thank you so much????????????????Good Night?? pic.twitter.com/3wNjvQF3tM— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 19, 2017
?Anime NYC ANIME DIVA NIGHT?New York????????????????????????????????Thank you so much???(?????)?????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/A6ELbkTmuJ
— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 18, 2017
NY??????????????????????????????Thank you????????20???Anime NYC ANIME DIVA NIGHT????New York??????????????&TRUE???????????????????????????????????????????????????( ? )? pic.twitter.com/aZ5Vc29Bh3
— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 17, 2017
????????????????????????????????????(????)? pic.twitter.com/gpIIHbiewF
— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 17, 2017
???New York???????&TRUE??????????????( ? )? pic.twitter.com/PrMSxjtsjF
— ????@4/13???????20????????Beginning Rebirth???? (@yonekurachihiro) November 16, 2017




















