UlasanAnime.com – The Anisong World Tour Lantis Festival Las Vegas, a significant event celebrating Lantis’s fifteenth anniversary, marked the start of their overseas tour in 2015. Following successful multi-day festivals across Japan in 2014, Lantis expanded its reach with international stops planned in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, and Seoul, with Shanghai being announced as the newest addition during the Las Vegas event.
The author attended the Las Vegas show to support Lantis, recognizing the label’s consistent dedication to anison music. Unlike other labels that might have sub-labels for anime-related content, Lantis has maintained its focus on anison throughout its history. This commitment, coupled with their production of music the author enjoys, fosters a direct and meaningful connection with their fanbase.
The festival offered a unique “anisama” experience, featuring collaborations and covers by artists performing their main songs alongside special joint acts. Highlights included Choucho and Sayaka’s rendition of “ENTER ENTER Mission,” and a particularly memorable performance of “Koi no Mikuru Densetsu” by Bamboo, which resonated with the author due to their familiarity with the audience calls. Other appreciated performances included “Super Driver” and “Go Go Power Rangers,” contributing to a setlist that met expectations while also delivering unexpected delights through the collaborative segments.
The author also had the opportunity to see Sayaka, Choucho, Yousei Teikoku, and Bamboo perform live for the first time. Witnessing Yousei Teikoku’s performance shed light on why the band is associated with an anison label, a realization that struck the author as fitting given the band’s fanbase, which the author humorously likened to “metalheads.”
Lantis Fest Las Vegas was co-presented by Otakon Vegas, which provided significant assistance, leading to collaborative events. The author found the partnership beneficial, managing to secure an Otakon Vegas membership primarily to meet Sushio, an artist who appeared to be enjoying himself immensely during his autograph session.
The VIP event, though described as somewhat formal, was a positive experience. It felt more like a casual interaction between attendees and guests. The author spent most of the time with Yousei Teikoku, observing that interactions with Jam Project seemed more focused on fans expressing their admiration. Having had prior opportunities to interview Jam Project in 2014, the author was more interested in engaging with the “fairy metal band.”
The VIP event offered snacks, sushi, and soft drinks, with the baked brie being a particular standout. Otakon provided a photo session, which allowed guests and attendees to engage in lighthearted fun.
Beyond the Lantis and Otakon-related activities, a significant aspect of the Las Vegas trip was the opportunity to socialize with fellow event attendees. This camaraderie significantly enhanced the overall experience.
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The author and their group implemented two key strategies learned from previous events: “viewing” and utilizing “Joysound.” In Las Vegas, securing a “party suite” made it easy to set up private viewing sessions and karaoke. This allowed for affordable, late-night singing sessions with a large group. Even for those not singing, the setup was ideal for participating in calls during concerts like Jam Project or ML 2nd. The hotel’s provision of Blu-ray players for each TV simplified the technical setup. Furthermore, they employed “advanced ‘viewing’ techniques,” including a real-time watch party of Cinderella Girls episode 2, synchronized with its Niconama live-viewing. The main challenge was the early morning setup at 6 am after going to bed at 3 am, especially given the excitement of the episode.
The “party suite” and the gathering of online acquaintances resulted in a superior karaoke setup compared to Otakon Vegas. The suite offered more relevant programming content and facilitated the exchange of interesting merchandise, including the author’s C87 haul. The fully equipped kitchen even allowed for cooking events. The availability of separate rooms within the block enabled activities like board gaming, including mahjong and Weiss. Additionally, spare PS3 and PS4 consoles were available for gaming, and cosplayers were present, with the author even participating in a photoshoot. In essence, the off-kai experience in the party suite surpassed the convention itself in terms of engagement and personalized entertainment.
While acknowledging Otakon Vegas’s strengths in its own domain, the author pointed out its lack of events catering specifically to their interests, beyond the Lantis Festival-related programming. This limited appeal made the decision to purchase an Otakon Vegas pass more challenging.
The weekend was filled with enjoyable parties and social interactions with both online and offline friends. The overlapping circles of friends led to an “offkai from the offkai,” a unique social dynamic. The group was fortunate to secure hotel packages that catered to their IT and transportation needs. The assistance of local friends who could navigate the casinos and provide transportation was invaluable to the overall success of the trip.
Reflecting on the event, the author expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success. This included those who had the luck to win VIP access, as well as those who undertook significant logistical efforts like hosting and driving. The author extended a personal thank you to these individuals.
On a personal note, the event fulfilled the author’s desire to see their “team West Coast” at least once a year, allowing them to focus on Japanese eventing for the remainder of 2015.
PS. A special acknowledgment goes to Kurotsuki, who, despite not being present, played a vital role in connecting many attendees. Their absence was noted, and the author expressed hope for a highly rewarding 2015 for them.
PPS. The author expressed a slight regret for not attempting to persuade Lantis to return to the USA with an idol group, even suggesting Star Anis as a possibility, though groups like Stylips, u’s, or Million Stars would have been preferred.
