UlasanAnime.com – As Anime Expo 2011 approaches, preparations and information dissemination seem to be in a state of flux, leaving attendees to piece together details from various sources.
The author is involved in assisting a friend with a panel focused on figures, scheduled for AX Day 3 (Sunday, July 3rd) at 8 PM in LP3. This panel will showcase and discuss various figures, with the author contributing in their own capacity. The content is still being finalized, reflecting a broader sentiment about the event’s organization.
The overall feeling regarding Anime Expo 2011 is that much of the promised public content has experienced delays or shifts, even if some elements have eventually materialized. Missed deadlines, particularly for press-related items, are noted, though without outright condemnation, acknowledging the inherent challenges of organizing such a large event.
With the convention schedule and a list of descriptions in hand, it’s evident that these alone only provide about half the necessary information. Anime Expo’s scale and corporate involvement necessitate looking beyond the official website for comprehensive details.
For instance, the Hatsune Miku event, while known, requires consulting Mikunopolis for complete information. This includes details on merchandise, passes, and the schedule for Miku-related panels, such as the MMD workshop and talks. The author also points out the fan-run Vocaloid panel and the “Nihongo de OK” sessions, which have become annual fixtures.
This approach of seeking information from multiple avenues is compared to how the author views AM2, another event that runs concurrently. While AM2 is now a formal convention located an hour away, the author expresses mild interest in seeing performances by Scandal and kanon x kanon, but won’t lose sleep if unable to attend.
The scattered nature of AX information is not new, but the lack of any news regarding autographs just four days before the event is a concern. While the author anticipates the usual process, they hope for better organization, especially given the importance of autograph opportunities. The prospect of obtaining autographs from figures like Sawashiro is a motivator, even if other desired signatures might be missed.
Consequently, relying solely on the convention event schedule is deemed insufficient. The AX Maid Cafe has shared photos, highlighting how even integral parts of the convention operate somewhat independently of the main AX media infrastructure. Similarly, a pre-con charity event for “We Heart Japan,” hosted by Christina Vee and Steph Sheh, is mentioned as another example of off-site activities.
A particularly noteworthy item on the schedule is a panel organized by JETRO, which will poll the audience on new media trends. The PR describes an interactive session where attendees can use “Yes” or “No” signs to signal their agreement or disagreement with industry professionals on topics like developing online business models and making anime/manga content more accessible. The panel is set to feature representatives from Bandai Entertainment, Aniplex USA, VIZ, and Crunchyroll, with the promise of raffle tickets and a Nintendo 3DS as prizes.
The author also notes the industry lineups and events for various companies, singling out Aniplex’s Day 1 panel at 2:30 PM, which is expected to cover content beyond Madoka, though details remain somewhat vague.
A Funi-sponsored noitaminA panel is also mentioned, unfortunately conflicting with the panel the author is helping with. The author encourages others to attend and report on it.
Several panels focusing on industry and Intellectual Property (IP) are listed, with the author expressing curiosity about their content, even if their immediate value is uncertain.
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The author also highlights the presence of “Fred at AX” and a related attraction, a Twitter user named @s_words. The Yuki Kajiura panel, hosted by zzeroparticle, is mentioned as a potential conflict, underscoring the common challenge of overlapping events. The author expresses gratitude that the overlap between Fred’s panel (starting at 10 AM on Sunday) and Zz’s panel (starting at 10:30 AM) is only partial, making attendance feasible with a short walk between rooms.
Returning to the schedule, several newly confirmed events are detailed, increasing the potential for scheduling conflicts:
- A Friday night mini-concert for Maon, possibly tied to HOTD, requiring age verification.
- A Gundam Unicorn focus panel on Sunday at 2 PM.
- A screening of Onigamiden on Friday at 2 PM, including an introduction.
- A screening of Arakawa UB on Saturday at 10 AM, fronted by Sawashiro.
- The premiere of Last Exile Silver Wings at noon on Saturday, followed by a Gonzo panel.
The author contemplates trading an autograph opportunity for the chance to see Silver Wings, expressing dismay.
The inclusion of a Gonzo panel might diminish the impact of the HOTD screening and panel scheduled for 4:30 PM on the same day and location, though the author suspects this is not the case.
Mizushima’s Gundam 00 movie will screen on Sunday at 7:30 PM, followed by a panel.
Creator focus panels are generally well-received, with the author planning to attend those for Maon, Miyukichi, Matsumoto, and potentially Kalafina if time permits.
Beyond scheduled events, the author acknowledges the numerous informal gatherings and personal commitments, including press-related activities, that add to the complexity of planning.
The temptation to “wing it” is strong, exacerbated by the absence of an official AX iOS/Android app. The lack of a schedule export feature, similar to last year’s calendar file option, is noted as a significant oversight, with PDFs being a less convenient alternative.
Finally, the post highlights the “food truck gallery at AX,” a feature the author is particularly excited about, humorously referencing the saying about winning a man’s heart.
