UlasanAnime.com – The author of this article expresses a peculiar fascination with the business and distribution side of the anime industry, prompting a self-reflection on their own motivations and identity as a fan.
The author admits to being drawn into an online discussion about the industry, leading to an introspective questioning of their own “messed up” nature. They clarify that their interest isn’t solely about the anime they consume, but also extends to the business processes involved in bringing these shows to market.
While not identifying as a “business nerd” or a “weeaboo,” the author acknowledges a certain level of knowledge about Japan, which serves as context for their hobby. They also mention having negative opinions about Japan’s business practices and not necessarily caring about uniquely Japanese cultural elements.
The author leans towards the “business geek angle” as the primary driver of their interest, likening it to the appeal of a baseball manager story that was adapted into an anime. Another potential factor is the “transcendential barrier” between fandom and turning that passion into a career, a path many anime localization professionals have taken.
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However, the author expresses a lack of desire to be in such a position themselves, suggesting their “Jtor gig” might be the closest they wish to get to the industry. This curiosity about the industry’s inner workings, particularly among fans, is seen as a compelling draw for those seeking information relevant to their interests.
A strong urge to understand these dynamics is felt most acutely when considering “con drama,” referring to the often fan-driven operations of anime conventions. The author wonders what motivates individuals to run these events.
This leads to a call for “homework” regarding the size of the US anime convention industry. The author proposes using attendance multiplied by registration price as a baseline metric, questioning if such calculations have been made. They note that for every major summer convention, there are numerous smaller ones with lower costs and attendance, making vendor cost estimations difficult.
