UlasanAnime.com – This year’s Anime Expo motto seemed to be about overcoming any regrets through significant spending, yet the constraints of time remained a constant challenge.
Despite the time limitations, a meetup with a long-time friend made the trip exceptionally worthwhile, adding to an already fulfilling experience by the end of Day 2.
A highlight of Day 2 was the presence of Masayoshi Tanaka, who graciously offered to sketch for attendees. The resulting artwork featured characters like Anaru, a crying Menma, and Taiga. Director Araki also provided sketches of Busujima and Ranpha, creating a truly memorable opportunity.
Vocaloid fans were equally fortunate, enjoying the presence of numerous producers and artists for autograph sessions. Some attendees from Japan arrived late due to a cancelled flight, but the usual Vocaloid events, including Nihongo de OK and fan panels, still saw substantial turnouts.
The event also saw the emergence of the “ahegao double peace” meme. For context, a potentially NSFW image link is provided: NSFW image link. The post humorously notes Bamboo as a “troll” but expresses excitement for Dengeki Strikers.
The days at Anime Expo flew by quickly. Maon Kurosaki had to cancel an autograph session due to illness but still performed a concert on the same day. It seemed like a bug might have spread among some attendees near the stage.
The author juggled attending Kurosaki’s concert, a guest meet-and-greet event—described as expensive with poor execution but adequate venue and food—and a panel they helped to run, all within a two-hour timeframe. This packed schedule contributed to the rapid passage of time.
Among the merchandise, Alter Fate Alter was noted as an attractive item, though the author’s favorite was Mizuho’s acrylic case. The author also managed to acquire a pair of Little Hands, urging readers to remember Japan’s ongoing recovery from a major earthquake and the uncertain nuclear situation, encouraging charity efforts during the convention season.
A lingering regret was missing out on post-convention dinners with friends. Instead of visiting food trucks on Day 3, the author dined at Jack n’ Joes.
The author’s panel was reported to have gone well, with acknowledgment of room for improvement but an overall positive outlook. The event also provided opportunities to meet many new people, with thanks extended to attendees who stopped by to say hello.
The narrative concludes with anticipation for the final part of the convention journey.
This year’s motto: overcome regret with large amount of spending.
You might also be interested in : Anime Expo 2011: First Two Days
But at the end I was still fighting the constraints of time. Got to meet up with a long-time-no-see friend, which totally made this trip worthwhile. Which is cool, because this trip was already totally worth the while by end of day 2.
If there was one awesome thing about Day 2, it was noticing Masayoshi Tanaka and his willingness to sketch for us. The result was a lot of Anaru, a crying-face Menma with a Taiga on the side. Director Araki also got me a Busujima (I have to, after all, to save some face) and a Ranpha. It was an amazing opportunity.
Lucky vocaloid fans probably had just as much love from the horde of producers and artists signing things. I hear a plane got cancelled so a lot of the Miku troopers from Japan arrived at AX late. There was still a big turnout at the usual vocaloid events (like Nihongo de OK and the fan panels).
And then there was the ahegao double peace meme. (NSFW image link to give you an idea what that means.) You’re such a troll Bamboo, lol. Tho Dengeki Strikers is HYPE!
The days went by like a flurry. Maon Kurosaki got sick and canned an autograph session. She still end up doing a concert at the same day. I think Alexd caught her bug–a bunch of them were a row or two by the stage.
I ran between her concert, the meet the guest event (a really expensive proposition with lousy execution but proper venue and foods), and the panel I helped to run within the span of two hours. It was tough, but it made the day just go that much faster. Alter Fate Alter is definitely an attractive little thing, although my favorite was probably Mizuho’s acrylic case! LOL.
Scored a pair of Little Hands. Hey everyone reading this post: remember Japan is still recovering from the biggest earthquake it has experienced in a long while. The nuclear situation is still uncertain and those rural towns are still fully devastated. Do your part in charity this con season!
If there is any regret (and there probably always will be), is how I keep on missing out on some good post-con dinners with the guys! I didn’t hit the food trucks on day 3… Instead, Jack n’ Joes.
And my panel? It went well. There’s tons of room for improvement but I think we’re going to be fine. I met a ton of more new folks. Thank you for coming and saying hi.
And now, onward to the final leg of the journey.
