We’re back from Otakon 2010 and we have so much to tell you all! Otakon definitely is the convention of the otaku generation. AMIN writers Melanie Braverman, Jessica Dawson, Christina Jacildo, and myself all attended Otakon this year. For some of us, it was our first year attending and we were definitely impressed with the outcome.
I’ve been to several anime conventions in the past and none of them have lived up to this. Otakon, one of the biggest anime conventions in the USA, was once again stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. With a turn out of 29,274 we know this convention had everything going right. Otakon had a large variety of guests from manga-ka, voice actors, musical artists, and more. There were large lines for guests such as the always popular voice actor Vic Mignogna, An Cafe’s bassist and video game producer kanon, and the famous Yoshida Brothers. Although there were four of us, we didn’t know what to do first!
The first thing Otakon did right was open badge pick-up on Thursday before the convention. The staff was friendly, some a little lost, but for the most part helpful. The fun began Friday morning where movies and anime had already began to show. Also, many of the people had the Otakurave to look forward to on Friday and Saturday night. Friday night’s Otakurave was a lot slower than Saturday’s Otakurave but it was just fine. Bassist for the band An Cafe and video game designer kanon had been DJing that night and got the party going with some anime music such as music from K-ON! and the vocaloid Hatsune Miku.
Saturday is where the convention really hyped up! A majority of the convention center was in cosplay with many bystanders asking what this convention was for. All of our writers who attended the convention had even dressed up for the occasion and got a few pictures taken here and there. But what was it that really got us on Saturday? The masquerade at the 1st Mariner Arena! Since 2008, Melanie Braverman, Jessica Dawson, and myself have been entering masquerades. This year, we thought we would challenge ourselves at a larger venue. The competition was tough. We were only mere novices and we were a bit intimidated but we did our best to dominate. We were up against many amazing skits such as the group of Hatsune Miku’s and the Street Fighter IV martial artists. With the 1,000+ people there, we knew why they appeared in the first place. X Japan’s Yoshiki and Sugizo had appeared! They performed a few songs with only piano and violin and conducted a short Q&A afterward. The crowd went wild for the pair as they performed. It was definitely a memorable night.
Sunday is usually the slow day at conventions but Otakon knows how to keep the people there! Japanese hip hop trio HOME MADE KAZOKU had performed their first American performance. That day, we were welcomed into their Home Made Family.
Otakon 2010 has been an amazing experience! For anyone who has an inner otaku, please join us next year as we go back to Baltimore, Maryland all over again July 29-31 for Otakon 2011!
Take a peek at our Otakon 2010 montage!
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