Very very different from last year’s event, this year New York Anime Festival did its pre-con event at Kinokuniya Bookstore. A more subtle event. This event definitely added more fuel to the fires of many convention goers, panelists and press members alike. (I can only say that I am at this time still scheduling. I am probably going to put the kettle down, but Moritheil will not be at NYAF this year. So you’ll see coverage from me. That’s not too in your face is it? Moritheil will be sorely missed, as bloggers this year is hopefully going to do a more turn out on being a more united group outside of the convention.)
So my journey goes from the first floor past the clock and past a VAMPS sign, and then past this screen – up onto the escalator. My aim is the second floor, where the anime/manga/events/Cafe Zaiya section is. Kinokuniya a large Japanese chain bookstore, that a store in New York. So I have been a customer/fan for the store for many many years…. back when Ranma 1/2 was starting to get dubbed by Viz. But what the heck am I am I going on a tangent like that for?
The purpose of today’s Pre-event was to unveil John Arzayus aka otakudenDotCom on Twitter. He is an anime figure photographer, and some samples of his work is on display next to the steps. So if you are in New York at around this time, check out those photos. First time, other than the some other pretty interesting pictures, and the finalists for NYAF did I see figure photography displayed on the walls. [As a amateur figure photographer among a lot of hats. I am flashing a mental thumbs up at that!]
What else occurred at the event.. there was an actual “food buffet” spread, and that was the first time I have ever seen Kinokuniya providing free food like this, when there is Cafe Zaiya on the premises. I got the indication that it was an experiment, so it probably worked.. since nothing drives an event like free food!
There were teaser performances from both ichiP! (Dance troupe) and Mario Bueno. (Cosplay performer). They will be appearing as guest of NYAF’s long list.
After the Photography and Figure collecting 101 presentation from Otakuden was done, GeekNights‘s Rym and Scott came on, with tips on con survival. They are calling NYAF and NYCC as a mega con, and definitely it is. With so many names, events, panels, so many conflicts at the same bloody time.. let’s just hope with fingers crossed that I won’t get what is known as con exhaustion… that I will be able to cover all the panels I need to go to…. from one end of the convention center to the other.. Jacob Javits is not even as big as Baltimore Convention Center. >_<…
Oh, X Japan’s concert is next weekend, as with VAMPS, as with Puffy AmiYumi…. as with Minori Chihara appearing. There was a raffle at the end, with Chiara’s autograph ticket up for grabs, that I oh so wanted to get.. but poor luck and timing.. hence I lost out.
More images from this event is available on Anime Diet’s Flickr page. More images is also forthcoming..
As a second pre-con event for NYAF/NYCC, New York City is going to be bracing itself for 40,000+ fans to descend on one convention center…. and the madness starts in about four days.
Gah! I’m sorry I missed it! That food looks so delicious! :3
It was an interesting experience… the food was good. I liked the sandwiches.
Memes, comic book characters, Internet, anime, manga, cosplayers, singers, performers, actors, gamers.
It’s going to be one huge collection of tropes this weekend! :X