UlasanAnime.com – The author decided to visit Montreal partly on a whim, but also because Otakuthon had reached a point where it was worth investigating. Having considered a last-minute trip the previous year, the timing of the anison concert on a Friday had made it less appealing. This year, however, the main draw was the presence of Tanaka Atsuko, who was scheduled to appear on Saturday and Sunday, making the trip more feasible.
The visit to Montreal was also motivated by a desire to explore the city now that Canadian friends were representing their respective geographic locations. The more the author learned about Montreal, the more appealing it became to visit. While acknowledging that two days, or more accurately 1.5 days, for a convention is a tight schedule, leaving only a few hours to explore the rest of the city, the experience was still enjoyable. The common joke about Montreal being a cheaper and cleaner version of Paris for Americans now felt like a genuine truth.
Regarding Tanaka Atsuko, the author has little to add beyond acknowledging her status as a decorated veteran seiyuu, a statement that might be considered conservative. In person, she comes across as more down-to-earth yet highly practiced and professional. This demeanor is likely attributed to her background, having transitioned into the seiyuu industry from the business world. Despite being senior compared to the average female seiyuu currently active in the industry, she began her career during an era when seiyuu were distinctly seiyuu, rather than simply general actors. Regardless, her cool “oneechan” persona remains consistent.
It’s evident that many of her iconic characters are staples in specific genres of stories, films, and anime, making them popular in Western markets. If a seiyuu’s fame is tied to a super-popular character, Tanaka Atsuko certainly fits that description. The enduring popularity of “Ghost in the Shell,” for instance, is a testament to this. These often-taken-for-granted assumptions become particularly visible in situations like this convention appearance.
In terms of merchandise, the author managed to get a few items autographed. A particularly fortunate acquisition was an autograph from Tanemura Arina on a shikishi, an item the author felt they didn’t entirely deserve but was pleased to receive. The queue for Obata’s autograph was notoriously long, so the author was relieved to have avoided that ordeal.
Overall, the convention was perceived as fairly well-organized. Its downtown location offered numerous attractions, dining options, and convenient access via the Metro, which is located directly beneath the convention center. This area of Montreal is also quite walkable.
The author flew into Montreal early on Saturday, finding the airport to be mostly empty. They took the 747 bus to the downtown area and walked a bit. After checking into the hotel, a food excursion commenced, consuming most of the morning and resulting in a slight delay for Tanaka Atsuko’s autograph session, which led to being cut from the line. The author ended up chatting with someone who had been encouraged to attend by a mutual acquaintance.
A script of Stand Alone Complex episode 1 signed by the voice of Major Kusanagi, Atsuko Tanaka…I’m in disbelief. pic.twitter.com/R0BRySX3yr
— Maestrotaku (@Maestrotakus) August 7, 2016
During the culinary exploration, the author indulged in poutine, a Montreal-style bagel, and the smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s, all highly recommended experiences for both tourists and locals. The author expressed a strong desire to repeat this culinary journey.
Otakuthon sure is a good con pic.twitter.com/QSGd803OjC
— omo@KawaiiKon2024 (@omonomono) August 6, 2016
The success of the trip was significantly attributed to friends present at Otakuthon, who provided crucial information, facilitated last-minute requests, and offered enjoyable company. The author extends their gratitude and expresses hope for a potential reunion at a future event.
As a postscript, the journey back from Montreal presented further opportunities for acquiring goods. During a carpool, the author made purchases at the duty-free store, discovering Kinder Buenos and ice cider (as opposed to ice wine). A stop for dinner at a small-town brewery in upstate New York was also highlighted as a worthwhile experience.
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