UlasanAnime.com – The anime convention landscape is seeing a significant shift with the emergence of “AnimeJapan,” an ambitious new event aiming to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and feature a vast array of intellectual properties. This initiative appears to be driven by a desire for industry pride, especially when compared to the large turnouts seen at events like JX and AX, while Japan itself lacks a comparable convention in scale, with Comiket being a different type of gathering.
The seriousness of this endeavor is evident in their presentation, which includes ambitious goals and strategies. One slide explicitly illustrates their comprehensive approach to IP engagement and visitor attraction.
It is highly probable that AnimeJapan will successfully meet its target of 100,000 attendees. A key hope for attendees is that AnimeJapan will maintain the liberal policy of region-free live streams that was a hallmark of ACE.
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Beyond the convention news, the month of February 2014 presents a compelling case for Japan as a premier tourist destination for anime and music enthusiasts. Several notable events and performances are scheduled, catering to a diverse range of interests.
For those interested in winter festivities and virtual idols, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which includes the Snow Miku Festival, runs from February 5th to 11th. Music lovers have a packed schedule with numerous artists embarking on nationwide tours. This includes Yui Horie, Ray, KOTOKO, Mingosu, and JAM Project, offering multiple live performance opportunities across the country.
The idol scene is particularly vibrant. Love Live! will have a significant event at SSA (Saitama Super Arena). Furthermore, there’s a full-blown event for “Uchoten Kazoku,” featuring fhana, which presents a unique opportunity for fans. Idolmaster (iM@S) is also scheduled for an event at SSA, a highly anticipated occurrence for its dedicated fanbase. Even niche interests are covered, with a “MariIro” event mentioned, albeit with a touch of humor.
Fan meetings and promotional events are also part of the February lineup. ChanYui will be holding “Charming Do” promo meet-and-greets. The month also features live performances by FictionJunction, including shows with YUUKA and later individual concerts for her and Kajiura’s teams. Sumipe is also slated for an event, and Yanagi Nagi will be holding a live event, though potential scheduling conflicts might prevent some from attending.
A particularly exciting prospect for fans of classic anime is the Sakura Taisen Paris team kayo show, running from February 13th to 16th. The inclusion of Aipon in this performance makes it a must-see for many. Sphere will be celebrating its 5th anniversary with a series of events, adding another layer of excitement for their fans.
Vocalists May’n, Aoi Eir, and Yukarin are all touring, with Yukarin notably having a two-day live event at SSA. The “Milk Lariat 6S” event promises a gathering of many anime idols. Tribute and anniversary events include a commemorative event for Yuki Aoi and a birthday live for Junko Iwao. Chiaki Ishikawa will hold a concert, and Nakagawa Kanon will have a live event tied to “Kaminomi.” Sakakibara Yui is also scheduled for a live performance.
Beyond music and idols, events related to popular anime series are also happening. Steins;Gate will have dedicated events, and the list of happenings goes on. A comprehensive schedule of events can be found at Koe Ota, indicating a wealth of opportunities for fans that were not even fully listed here.
Despite being the shortest month of the year, February 2014 stands out for its extraordinary number of high-quality events. This count doesn’t even include potential movie screenings, such as for “Mouretsu Pirates!”, nor does it account for events that might still be announced. While a typical month usually offers a variety of activities, February 2014 is exceptionally packed.
For anyone planning a trip to Japan with the intention of attending events, February is the prime month. The sheer volume and diversity ensure that there is something for everyone, and a great deal for those with specific, passionate interests.
