Report of Japan Expo 2002

Japan Expo; a con of Japanese culture-wait; going to a con that's virtually non-anime? Well sure, what the heck? Japanese culture is nothing to sneeze about seeing as it's incorporated in almost every anime I watch. The idea of going to this convention sprung from my friends at church recommending I go for at least a few hrs. Well, hehe, I ended up staying the whole Saturday, and with good reason!

I started my day waking up at around 5:00 am to get in costume and on the road for the long haul to Los Angeles. I was accompanied by my sister; Sana-chan, and friend Primrose; dressed as Garnet. Car ride was pretty normal, jamming to anime music, but nonetheless about the con: I knew I was gonna have fun but not as much fun as I expected to. In a sense, it reminded me of Comic-Con as it seemed to be a place for cosplayers to hang out and socialize. However, like Comic-Con, it was sadly lacking in the anime department for the overall thing; in my opinion that was a good thing. I enjoyed looking at other stuff besides anime. Like one of those Japanese newspapers said that they were handing out, "For readers who want to know more about Japan beyond Sushi and Anime."

For me, I appreciate all aspects of Japanese culture; which was why it was a real treat for me. Can anyone say GREAT food? I think I took a bite of every sample they were giving out but...I didn't get to try the "Belgian" waffle. LOL. Sorry I can't help but crack up every time I think a Japanese "Belgian" waffle.
Also I wanted to try out the massaging seats but after seeing what they were putting on your stomachs I decided against it. Heck there were tons of stuff I wanted to do if I wasn't in costume. -_-;  I.e. wearing a kimono, heck, one of these days I'll buy myself a real kimono and be happy!

Regardless, what made it fun was yes, the cosplay aspect AND for the first time Japan Expo held an Anime Show, coordinated by the very talented Sailor Jamboree. As part of the Anime Show, there was a masquerade (held later in the day), performances by Sailor Jamboree, and Hiro Yuuki; the VA of Omi in Weiss, Hyuuga in Evangelion, (and a whole lot more) was there doing a panel, autographs and SANG (so beautiful) at the show! I was lucky to get autographs, take pictures with him, and converse with him in Japanese. (I haven't been taking Japanese for nothing) Eto ne...let's see, I'll gonna elaborate on his panels’ cuz they were fun. (And educational for those of you Weiss fans who didn't go to Japan Expo!)

His 1st panel initially was supposed to start at 11:30 and they were late. But I still hung around, as I noticed coordinators were setting up chairs I immediately grabbed one up at front. Finally after watching FLCL till I was blue in the face (It was on a movie screen in front of us), they finally announced he was coming out. You can imagine the screams from a bunch of girl (and guy) fans. ^_^ After the initial introductions and the like, he wanted us to ask questions. I shot my hand up like lightning and he called on me and so I asked him, "Seiyuu to shite enjita character no nakade, dore ga ichiban sukidesu ka?" (Out of all the characters you've done as a voice actor, which one do you like the best?)

First off he was surprised that I could speak Japanese and told me it was really good (I was enthralled inside but I humbled myself before him) and then told me it was a hard question for him...however Omi was the one he liked the best. Hehe, who could've seen that one coming? Funniest question was from the cool Harry Potter cosplayer who asked if he could get a hug and he did...lucky dog you! ^_^ Then Hiro-sama quickly said no to the girls and I know why...he probably would've gotten major glompage. *evil glare*

An interesting question from one of the girls was what he thought about the American contingent of fans versus the Japanese fans. Hiro-sama mentioned that in Japan they're very shy and are more so afraid to shoot up their hands for questions...whereas here everyone seems to be really excited. (It also can be noted that this was his first US convention and first time to the US. Let's hope Hiro-sama will make a debut at Anime Expo!) There was a really good technical question that I forgot; got lost when the translator was having problems understanding the question.

Yeah, random gripe, next time get an actual translator that doesn't speak pigeon English for the audience. I understand pigeon English ok because of my sensei, but I know for others it was like "Huh?"

On the bright side, the coolest part was when Hiro-sama showed us actually doing what really voice-actors do...voice overs. ^_^ They placed two different scenes from two different anime (one of them Weiss) and played it and he voiced along with his own role. It sounded like two doubles of him speaking at the same time. Soooooooooo friggin cool! ^_^ Then afterwards he gave autographs and took pictures.

And because I'm so obsessed with him, I went back to the 2nd panel and asked him (in Japanese) why wouldn't he start an American fanclub? Cuz I knew there were contingents of fans who would join; including me. He cleverly answered that he couldn't speak English, but if someone were to teach him English then perhaps. ^_^ *Looks around at everyone*

After that fun interim I just went around looking, talking with more cosplayers, hanging out, glomped a Haku, and then the masquerade. I forgot to mention that Hiro Yuuki was also judging for the masquerade, which made it funnier cuz he was sitting RIGHT behind me. (The judges table was put there 15 minutes after we had sit down) I didn't even notice he was behind me until I looked around trying to find some other peeps to sit with. I didn't want to bug him because I thought by the end of the day he must've thought I was a stalker...not really...just a...crazy...fan girl. --_--;;

Finally I did turn around and asked him if he was enjoying himself at the Con. He was, I think he was surprised to see me again...was my costume really not that recognizable? Just kidding...heck I'm not as worst as some people...whatever, he was soooooooooo cooooooooooool and kawaii! ^_^

Anyways the masquerade was fun...great skits, great performances. Some better than others. My cool sis Sana-chan competed doing the Ikai Okuri (The sending) in her Yuna costume on ballet! As a result she won 3rd place! Yoku dekimashita imooto!

And that was Japan Expo 02 (Saturday by the way). I enjoyed every second of it...and for my first time going there, I'd go again...there's something about small cons with group of cosplayers...excuse to cosplay? You betcha! There were certainly lot of surprises (Hiro Yuuki) and fun things to do! I wouldn't recommend this con for anyone not enjoying anything besides anime, which would be odd since anime is the embodiment of Japanese culture.  To all those I met at JE, luv you all! Hope to see you @ next year's con!