SAN JAPAN - THE EXPERIENCE
by Paloma Metal SA Urban Jr. Reporter
San Japan;
the Otaku's natural habitat, people, pocky, toys & plushies far as the eye can see. Whether it be artist's
alley that you're interested in or just raving or cosplay, San Japan is must-convention for Texas anime
fans from all over. My first real San Japan experience is one I'll never forget.
I remember
feeling like such an outcast; armed only with a T-shirt & jeans; while others walked around in trip jeans
littered with chains, loli dresses & their cosplay which they put their blood, sweat & tears into. Luckily,
con-goers are such friendly people that I fit in quickly. I remember seeing fans carry around their plushies;
cradling them like babies & then I knew I needed a plushie of my own to hold, and out of all the plushies
I could buy down in the dealer's room, I bought a dark Makona plushie (Tsubasa Chronicles).
The
internet-famous artist Amelie Belcher was there at her artist-alley table, I talked with her & she seemed
nice. I met friends, gave hugs & looked at awesome cosplay. Saturday's concert ft. Smile D.K was amazing;
sadly I didn't see any other performances. I went home on the last day happy, satisfied & ready for a
good nap from all that walking around!
August & the rest of the year passed quicky. Then came
the one-day event that I had high expectations for; Mizumi Con! My expectations were fullfilled; plenty
of DDR, concerts & raving! That day my two friends had their first con-related experience (and they loved
it of course!). The rave was best; people were dancing, dueling each other like lions fighting for dominance.
Hopefully I'll be the same way, but I have to learn how to dance first (hee hee)!
My con experiences
so far, though few, have brought ever-lasting memories & high expectations for San Japan 09. Once, before
a dance performance, Dave Henkin talked about the convention he & another founded. "Conventions bring
people together, of every race, sexuality & personality." (or something along the lines). Cons are places
where fans of culture can gather together & rejoice without fear of judgement or ridicule. A place to
express your Otaku-nature, to have fun, and eat pocky. So come one! Come all! Come to San Japan!
www.san-japan.org/
@sanjapan
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