Posts Under Conventions Category

Summit on Anime in North America: Afternoon Session Liveblog

Summit on Anime in North America: Afternoon Session Liveblog

The Summit on Anime in North America (SANA) is a one day event in Denver where experts on the anime industry are gathering to talk about anime’s popularity in North America. Representatives from the Japanese consulate are here as well to receive feedback. The event is hosted by the parent organization of Denver’s large anime [...]

Summit on Anime in North America: Morning Session Liveblog

Summit on Anime in North America: Morning Session Liveblog

The Summit on Anime in North America (SANA) is a one day event in Denver where experts on the anime industry are gathering to talk about anime’s popularity in North America. Representatives from the Japanese consulate are here as well to receive feedback. The event is hosted by the parent organization of Denver’s large anime [...]

Katsucon 2013: Cherry Tea Maid Cafe

Katsucon 2013: Cherry Tea Maid Cafe

Katsucon’s Maid Cafe, only accessible from the elevators near the first floor lobby, used the Gaylord National Harbor’s 18th floor nightclub as its venue. The location of the nightclub offered a beautiful view of the harbor. These elevators were far away from the rest of Katsucon’s programming, making it a commitment to attend the Maid [...]

Katsucon 2013: Symphonic Anime Orchestra

Katsucon 2013: Symphonic Anime Orchestra

I had high expectation going into the Symphonic Anime Orchestra concert after witnessing Video Game Orchestra at Anime USA. I was sorely disappointed. The synchronicity displayed by the accoutrements of various instruments is one reason orchestras play underneath bright lights. The sight of multiple rows of violin bows marching in tandem conjures a majestic unity [...]

Katsucon 2013: World Cosplay Summit

Katsucon 2013: World Cosplay Summit

It’s rather fitting that my first time using a DSLR camera coincided with the World Cosplay Summit US Preliminary at Katsucon 19. This round determines the Eastern Qualifier that will fly to Anime Matsuri in Houston to compete in the WCS US Finals of which the winner will represent US on the world stage in [...]

Katsucon 2013: The Sound Bee HD Concert

Katsucon 2013: The Sound Bee HD Concert

Per usual concert protocol, doors opened late even for VIP and press members. Inside the Main Hall, the impressive long line outside did not even fill a third of the pit. Hundreds of chairs sat neglected including empty seats in the first row. A lone glow stick shone like a distant star in the vast [...]

Katsucon 2013: A Tale of A Gazebo

Katsucon 2013: A Tale of A Gazebo

To quote a line from Air, it’s not enough to make memories; make happy ones. My first Katsucon and visit to the Gaylord left me with more happy memories than the entire loot of the Merchant Hall. Before the good and bad, let’s start with the ugly. I am referring to the double booking of [...]

Video: “Kokoro no Senritsu” (Tari Tari ED 6), by Momotama—feat. gendomike

Video: “Kokoro no Senritsu” (Tari Tari ED 6), by Momotama—feat. gendomike

Watch Momotama’s excellent performance of the Tari Tari insert theme from Anime LA 2013—and guest pianist Gendomike nearly butcher it.

Anime Los Angeles 2013, Master-bait de la Maid Café

Anime Los Angeles 2013, Master-bait de la Maid Café

Mein virgin experience of swallowing the bait at Anime LA’s maid café.

Anime LA 2013: Tokyopop Panel

Anime LA 2013: Tokyopop Panel

Here’s a liveblog from Tokyopop’s “Past, Present, and Future” panel at Anime LA 2013. TP is staging a comeback and has plans for the future.

Anime USA 2012: September Can’t Come Fast Enough

Anime USA 2012: September Can’t Come Fast Enough

Anime USA may have achieved the unthinkable in edging out Otakon as my favorite con. I enjoyed myself immensely even if I didn’t have any guest interviews and missed cosplay burlesque TWICE. The depth of programming provided ample entertainment of which I recollect some below. And I learned something. The con’s smaller scale affords an [...]

Anime USA 2012: Mix Speaker’s Inc. Part Two

Anime USA 2012: Mix Speaker’s Inc. Part Two

Continued from part one. Or perhaps it’s the other way around? The juxtaposition between boy band dance moves and abrasive noise created an image that left my thoughts in disarray. Seek played ridiculously fast, his hands a blurry fury on the bass guitar, a juggernaut of decibels felt over my ear plugs. Yet, inches away [...]