UlasanAnime.com – As the author attempts to process the Anime Expo wrap-up for the year, a stark reality emerges. Eight months prior, the idea of Yumi Hara, Altima, [TBD2], Angela, WUG, Marina Inoue, Saori Hayami, Ami Koshimizu, Ai Nonaka, KOTOKO, Elisa, Yui Ishikawa, Mai Goto, Ryouka Yuzuki, Halko Momoi, and Babymetal appearing in the US and Canada would have seemed preposterous. This sentiment was amplified by the author’s deep dive into the Idolmaster producer role during a February trip to Japan, leading to significant emotional investment even in figures like Tsukigami Luna and Toshifumi Akai. The author questions the significance of figures like Sushio, who served as the animation director for a key episode of Anim@s.
This situation presents a challenge for dedicated fans, often referred to as “DDs” (Daredemo Daisuki, meaning “love them all”). While many of these guests are talented, they tend to attract attendees who are deeply immersed in specific subcultures or have broad interests. For instance, the WUG-chans, as a group, have a relatively limited discography. The I-1 Club would likely dominate any fan voting at American conventions, despite largely consisting of current or emerging voice acting talents. Yui Ishikawa’s inclusion might signal a mainstream breakthrough, as her role in Attack on Titan is widely recognized, but many convention-goers may be unaware of her other works. This is typical for dedicated voice actor fans (“sei-ota”). However, the presence of artists like Hayamin or Amisuke is exceptional, as these are the kinds of guests usually seen only at major events like Anime Expo and Otakon, given the limited number of conventions that feature voice actors and the vast pool of talent to choose from.
Nevertheless, it has been an exceptionally fruitful year for the North American idol, sei-ota, and general anime fan community. This list doesn’t even include veteran guests like the Gundam voice actors (Ikeda-san!) at Animazement or Morita at Anime Expo.
There are distinct advantages to being a DD, just as there are to dedicating oneself to a select few artists or even just one. This specialization allows one to navigate a demanding convention schedule more effectively. The enjoyment derived from attending multiple events is immense, yet the author acknowledges the understandable desire to stay home and lament the inability to attend everything.
Considering this, it remains to be seen what guests will be announced for remaining conventions. The author is already looking towards 2015 with a sense of apprehension, partly due to the upcoming Idolm@ster 10th anniversary event.
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The author wonders if Japanese fans will travel to Otakon specifically to see Hayamin. A previous instance involved an Aoi Eir fan who traveled solely for her performance and ended up sitting behind the author, reacting enthusiastically to the point of physical contact. The idea of organizing a fan gathering (“offkai”) again is appealing.
