UlasanAnime.com – This article delves into the author’s personal experiences attending various events throughout 2014, primarily focusing on anime, music, and idol-related gatherings. The author expresses a personal inclination to write about eventing due to their direct involvement, aiming to articulate the significant time and financial investment it entails. The narrative unfolds as a chronological log of attended events, offering brief impressions and memorable moments from each.
The author explicitly states their intention to document these events in a style similar to a Twitlonger post, providing a concise yet personal account of their experiences.
1. IM@S Butai Aisatsu @Saitama: The author recounts being exceptionally close to the performers, noting the impressive performances of the “yojos” and being particularly captivated by a “cosplaying kansaijin cutie.” They also humorously question the recurring abundance of Haruka/Miki/Producer shikishi they receive.
2. Yukari Tamura Fruits Furits Cherry SSA (Saturday): This event marked the author’s first Yukarin live. Despite traveling from the US to Japan and encountering snow, the experience was eye-opening, though acknowledged as potentially overwhelming for newcomers. The author enjoyed the event and felt it would have been even more engaging had they been more familiar with the songs and the accompanying “calls.”
3. IM@S Butai Aisatsu @Wald9: Featuring Azumin, Mocho, Nansu, and Tenchan, this event saw Mocho immediately living up to expectations (“Mocho was Mocho on first sight”), with the author becoming instantly smitten. Tenchan was described as strikingly beautiful, Nansu, though physically distant and small, delivered her speech with conviction, and Azumin exhibited a “senpai mode.” The author hints at a longer, personal story connected to this event, to be shared in person.
4. KOTOKO Kuuchu Puzzle bonus Live: This occasion allowed the author to reconnect with Momotato after his “ordeal.” A parallel “mind-warping” experience involved learning about KOTOKO’s trip to Raleigh concurrently with the live performance. KOTOKO’s resilience was noted, while the author focused on navigating the uneven flooring.
5. M@STERS of IDOL WORLD: This event is described as potentially life-changing for the better. It marked the author’s first “JP-style offkai” (off-stage gathering) and their inaugural IM@S live event. This experience was a catalyst for many “firsts,” and the term “HPT” was born from this event.
6. Nonnonbiyori live recording: The author was surprised by the restrained performances of Rieshon and Ayaneru, praising Asumiss and remarking on Koiwai’s cuteness.
7. Sakuracon: ELISA was found to be gracious and lovely, while Ishikawa Yui was perceived as cute and “fresh.” The most significant aspect of this convention was the extended discussions about IM@S with Aniplex animators, reinforcing the author’s belief that Aniplex/A-1 is the rightful studio for the anime adaptation.
8. Anime Boston: JAM Project delivered a great performance, and the “Live Mask” event was a “dream-come-true, bucket list stuff.” The author also enjoyed seeing Asa-nee and Minaguchi-san again and had a notable conversation with Dai Sato, which they intended to publish.
9. Anime Central: Meeting Myu and the WUGs was a highlight, despite the author freezing up. The “WUGner dinner/offkai” was spontaneously organized, with a special acknowledgment to the Japanese crew for their congeniality, even with the language barrier. “JTV” was born during this event. The author later binged “Knight of Sidonia” due to Angela’s opening theme song and greeted Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Hiro.
10. Anime North (Haramii North): From a “seiyuu-wise” perspective, Haramii was deemed the best personality encountered, on par with Noto. Hanamaru Cluster were described as cool guys, with shoutouts to Ninbin and Sky)ry. Mai Goto was noted as cute, and Shibata-san as legendary.
11. Anime Next: Luna was characterized as a “cute nerd,” and the “Haruhi pose” was effective even when misdirected. The Luna NA fanclub was unofficially established. Koyama and Waka were praised as awesome, which the author attributed to their involvement in creating “Inferno Cop.”
12. Anime Expo: Despite deeming the convention “terrible,” the author found Angela’s performance great. “Lunatic Joker” was described as wonderful, and the “Kill la Kill crew” was “top.” Aniplex was again recognized for its contributions, and the author noted the presence of many good guests, leading to good times.
13. Otakon: The author participated in “Cyber Cyber” with ALTIMA. Ojou and Motsu were found to be cool, and Sats affable. A Warner manager inquired about the author’s Myu happi, leaving them speechless. Hayamin was described as lovely and earnest, earning the author’s support. The presence of numerous “Ps” (Producers) and “livers” (performers) created a sense of unity, with hanging out with the “OG crew” feeling like “the world is all one.”
14. AWA: Ardith was considered nearly “guest-class” on her own. Loverin Tamurin was solid, and Shonen Knife was even better. MiQ was deemed “top tier.” The author recalls BBQs, watching WUG members get scared in a hotel room, and seeing @Paranda_update represent Hibiki with a VocaloidP after the Nunu connection was revealed. The “Vocaloid force” was felt to be stronger than ever. The author also attended their second “Nihongo de OK” event in the same year.
15-18. Idol attack NYC series: This series included performances by Miku, Babymetal, Morning Musume ’14, and Perfume. The author highlights the local crew, local brew, and Maspi burger, expressing a desire to repeat the experience, particularly hoping to secure a reservation at Yakiniku West. The events served as an “East Coast represent” moment.
Looking ahead to 2015, the author lists several prospective events:
- January 16-17: Lantis Festival Las Vegas – All arrangements made.
- March 1: Idolmaster Station!!! Public recording/concert – Ticket secured, with PTO/Flight feasibility pending.
- March 8: WUG Solo Live (Myu) – Ticket secured.
- March 13: Masami Okui birthday live – In the process of arrangement.
- March 14: TryAngle Harmony public recording #3 – First round lottery to occur in a couple of weeks.
- March 15: I’ve 15th Anniversary Live – General sale tickets in progress.
- April 4-5: IDOLM@STER Million Live 2nd – First round lottery in three weeks.
- April 3-5: Anime Boston – The first guest has been announced, presenting an alternative to ML 2nd.
- Date Undetermined: IDOLM@STER 10th Anniversary Live – The logo for this event was revealed on the day of writing.
- June: Anime Next – A local convention that is convenient to attend.
- July: Otakon – Another semi-local convention that is usually convenient to attend.
The author concludes with a lighthearted remark, suggesting that at this rate, they might reach a certain status (“hit status”) even before the 10th anniversary event.
Year in Review 2014:
You might also be interested in : The Idolm@ster 2014: A Year in Review
Introduction
Wake Up, Girls! (The real intro)
The Idolm@ster: Overview
Eventer in 2014
Lonely in a sea of a million Stars
Twelve by Twelve
