Tag Archives: otakon

I can’t promise anything~

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In anticipation for a certain get-together at Otakon karaoke, I’ve taken it upon myself to memorize one or two anime songs. I don’t do this normally, and when I do it’s usually for some easy-to-sing Super Robot openings, so actually sitting down and practicing and looking at lyrics has been quite an experience in learning about myself.

1) I can’t sing. This is compounded by the fact that one of the songs I picked turns out to be quite difficult.

2) I think it might actually be easier to memorize the lyrics when reading the original Japanese and not the romaji. When written in romaji, the pronunciation is there, but the meaning of the lyrics is gone and makes it more difficult to keep in memory. At least that’s how I feel.

So I’m looking forward to it. As for what songs I’ve chosen, well I’ll leave that a secret for now. Except for Yuushaou Tanjou! because I have to do that every time.

Otakon and the Social Con

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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.

Who will tomorrow choose…for Otakon?

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I guess this is what you would call my choice for second Otakon music guest, now that JAM Project is a reality. The chances of it happening are probably slim to none, possibly moreso than JAM Project.

My pick?

Bitou Isao.

You Will Be Sure to See Me at Otakon

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I GET THE POWER OF LOOOOOOOOOOVE.

Popularity on the internet vs Popularity at cons

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I’m always caught a little off guard by the disparity between popular anime on the internet and at conventions. Shows I thought would garner more cosplay, Gurren-Lagann, Rozen Maiden, among others, are always on the backburner compared to the stalwarts such as Naruto and Bleach. I mean, it’s obvious why, with Naruto and Bleach being enormously popular, but back at Otakon 2007 one series that surprised me with its popularity was Ouran High School Host Club.  Is it because the manga was released here? Did the fansubs just manage to reach an audience which normally wouldn’t have bothered too much with it?

I’m a fan of Ouran myself (Fujioka is the superior Haruhi), but I wonder if there’s a way for me to truly sense the pulse of the anime fandom.

I’d probably have a lucrative job if I could.