UlasanAnime.com – The author reflects on how their perception of anime conventions has evolved over the years. Initially, conventions held a special “first-con-cherry” status, offering a sense of exploration and the chance to encounter familiar faces from both online and offline circles. Otakon, in particular, retained this charm, serving as a central gathering point for East Coast anime enthusiasts.
However, a transformative trip to Japan introduced the author to the “wota nonsense,” a phenomenon centered around the anisong and idol industry. This involves dedicated fans who invest heavily in glowsticks, queue for guests, and intensely follow online information. While the author has always had a soft spot for this aspect of the industry, they note how significantly it has changed and, in their opinion, improved.
The author observes that conventions have become a crucial nexus for fans of real-life Japanese entertainers, a role previously dominated by J-rock and visual-kei music scenes. As anisong gains prominence and visual-kei declines, the author ponders if this trend will extend to Western conventions. They express a slight lament that their focus has increasingly shifted towards these live performers, moving away from guests associated with 2D anime characters from their earlier fandom days.
Despite this shift, the author maintains that chasing interesting guests is not inherently problematic, provided the guests themselves are responsible for noteworthy work. Several guests at Otakon 2011 are highlighted:
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- Makoto Shinkai is acknowledged as a world-class animator and director, embodying a new generation of animators better suited for the current century. While perhaps less overtly entertaining than some, his presence is highly anticipated, especially with the screening of his new film.
- The author expresses amusement at the inclusion of Ishiguro’s idol project, Angel ScandyS!, questioning its suitability for Otakon. While it might receive domestic Japanese coverage, the author wonders if Otakon should prioritize guests more broadly appealing to its attendees, rather than lesser-known idol projects.
- Iwakami, who began his anime work in 1997, has been involved in numerous significant projects. With Aniplex of America’s increased involvement in the US industry, Iwakami’s frequent trips are noted, and he is considered a valuable source of information, particularly regarding Fate Zero.
- Masao Maruyama’s return is welcomed, with rumors suggesting he will share interesting insights during the weekend.
- The author is curious about Ozaki’s presence, having limited knowledge beyond his involvement with Tiger & Bunny, and hopes for news regarding Blu-ray releases.
- Uematsu is considered an interesting figure, whose presence might draw crowds away from other, more congested lines.
- Bob Shirohata is another guest the author finds interesting but anticipates not having time to see, despite appreciating his work on Diamond Daydreams.
- Toshihiro Fukuoka, CEO of ASCII Media Works, is described with a dichotomy: either “boring” or the influential figure behind the “moe-est” publisher. The author speculates on his potential insights into light novel licensing for the US market.
- Cosplay-DJ from Osaka, DJ Saolilith, is expected to perform. Notably associated with Gainax and having done vocaloid work, she is a point of interest, and the author hopes she will have merchandise for sale.
- Kylee, a singer, is mentioned, with the author humorously noting her age would make her a suitable attendee. While not expecting much, they anticipate some live presence.
- CHEMISTRY is expected to offer good value and is considered a performance not to be missed.
- The K-ON concert is also on the author’s must-see list, with a particular interest in Christina Vee’s performance and whether the music will be presented similarly to its Japanese counterparts.
- The author questions Hiro Yura’s return and his potential to showcase new work, also inquiring about a paid-for CD from the previous year.
Beyond specific guests, several other items of note are mentioned:
- A friend is hosting a panel on “hanky-panky for ladies,” which the author is wary of but might attend for support. The alternative is a Mangagamer panel, but the author desires more excitement at that late hour.
- A panel the author helped run at AX will also be presented at Otakon, featuring different hosts and potentially different content. The author notes the simultaneous occurrence of a “best manga you’ve never seen” panel by RevereThieves.
- Charity events are highlighted, including the opportunity to pick up Little Hands doujinshi, a beefed-up auction on Sunday, and the availability of an Aniplex Madoka poster and Uematsu’s autograph for charitable purposes.
- ComixWave and Bandai will have booths, with Bandai offering autographs, including Shinkai’s, increasing the dealer room’s priority.
Miscellaneous points include:
- The author expects to catch Digitalboy performing and suggests Sunday morning as the best time for those wishing to see both of them. The author plans to bring a copy of Tanto Cuore to pass the time between performances.
- A recurring Thursday dinner is mentioned, with an invitation for anyone interested in hanging out afterward.
The author acknowledges they might be missing out on certain events, such as the new FMA film, or simply forgetting things. They invite readers to fill in any gaps and ask for questions for Makoto Shinkai.
