As we approach Otakon 2008, which promises to be full of auditory burning passion the likes of which will scar the very cement and bedrock on which the Baltimore Convention lies, albeit without Matsumoto Rica (which looks to be some kind of last-minute decision).
Aside from JAM Project and this awesome guy though, I’m not really beholden to the events schedule. However, after the previous two years, I’m still not sure what is the ideal ratio of attending panels, hanging out with friends, shopping in the dealer’s room, etc. is for me. I’ve somehow ended up as a part of many groups over the years, and while I would want to hang out with most, if not all of them, preferrably over lunch or dinner, there’s only so many lunches and dinners in a day unless you’re a hobbit (note to self: chop off shins). Whereas once I could just go with the flow, it becomes increasingly difficult to do everything I want and still remain relaxed.
I’m sure I’ll be on some degree of autopilot anyway during Otakon, but the question for me becomes, WHY do I go to Otakon?
For JAM Project, of course, but other than that, why?
Otakon is designed for as many people (who like Japanese culture) to enjoy themselves in the way they want. That’s why there’s a gaming room. That’s why there are cosplay and AMV contests. That’s why there’s anime at all. And of course with a con I get to meet people I don’t see normally, and there’s even the off chance I’ll get to know people I’ve never met before, online or off.
I think my worry is that the pressure of a schedule is the last thing I want from Otakon. That said, I’m sure it won’t happen when the time comes.
See you guys there. I’ll be mostly indistinguishable from the rest of the nerds, but you might be able to find me as I scour the dealer’s room for Ogiue merchandise.
…And I also might be wearing an Ogiue badge. Maybe.
OGIUE MANIAX 
Hm. The last (and first) time I went to a convention, I spent 20% of the time watching obscure old shows, 10% of the time in windowshopping figurines and 70% in the games room playing Wii because it was the first time I ever got the chance. Well, the whole thing has cost me an equivalent of 10$ so I had no pressure to do something “worthwhile” with my time there anyways.
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Rica’s been on a break from JAM for a little while now: she hasn’t been at any of the shows in the current tour. Kind of surprised Otakon waited until so recently to let people know about that.
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Otakon’s been slow on the news front all year. I guess their web guy was busy.
From what I hear, the Rica news has been known for some time even before Matsumoto announced it herself. Which is naturally the case with a contract and all that is required to make an international tour like this possible.
As far as the schedule, it’s a long story but let’s just say that I’ve done Otakon way too many times and I can actually predict with some accuracy what I would be doing, even if all I do is exactly what you do and tag along with various groups of people.
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I still haven’t figured out my schedule for Otakon … which I’m sure would disappoint Madarame :) I was hoping there was going to be a Genshiken panel this year :( I’ll be looking for all the Ogiue and Klan Klein stuff I can find …. better get to it before me :)
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After enough Otakons, I’m satisfied if I spend time with friends. That’s why I drive/fly 500 miles every year. While I love attending guests Q&As, getting the few worthwhile autographs, attaining that rush from shopping in the dealer’s room, or in the case of this year, having a blast at a concert, that all complements the time I’ll spend meeting with friends I see once a year.
What time are you going to be lining up for JAM Project?
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