Ev15-16: Matsuri and the Awesome-ness

Yo, Seiko here, and man, am I ever lingering with excitement. Two weeks have gone for me and I found myself at a street festival and a convention. It left me mentally drained, but lucky for me, these were local events, so let's cut the crap and get to them.

Event 15: Sakura Matsuri 2013: Despite the destruction of my young smartphone, going to Sakura Matsuri in DC was nothing short of amazing. Once again donning the ponytail Malachite, I ment with Melissa's crew again, and saw my favorite Jpop idol Reni Mimura perform. I helped out with one of the staff from Katsucon in regards to the table for it. I even saw a few buddies from my days of the Art Institute of Washington at this event. The key highlight to me that weekend was playing Arcana Heart 3 and Gundam Extreme Versus, both of which I'll review in due time. I also went to varuous memorials where the cosplay fun didn't end. All in all, bad start, but a great night.

Event 16: Awesome Con DC: For a first time in DC, Awesome Con made quite the stellar debut. When I heard gaming, I wasn't expecting tabletop gaming, which is something I don't involve myself with much. What's more I saw some MORE AiW buddies there, so big shoutout to them. I also met a cool blogger who not only cosplayed, but also won the group contest by cosplaying a title I never expected to see so soon: Bioshock Infinite. I also met a few FB Friends there, met DJ Asu, and other familiar faces, and even met Theodus Crane from AMC's The Walking Dead, which I truly felt was an HONOR! In a nut shell, Awesome Coin DC was nothing short of AWESOME! I really look forward to next year's con.

In short, it was quite the past 2 weekends. Shame I couldn't get photos of it to show you. Maybe next go rount, I'll take plentyof shots, but if you're a comic book/ tabletop fanatic, check it out. I promise you'll have a good time. But for now, that's it for me! Seiko out!

Ev15: Lolita Picnic 2012

With rain happening here and there, we relocated to the center eatery area of the Smithsonian Art Museum and Potrait Gallery in Chinatown to have the Lolita Picnic this year. A few people in lolita cosplay came, I once again came as Malachite, and I met some others there from ICD 2K12 (see post Ev14), as well as people I rarely hang around outside the clubroom, among which my supervisor Betty.

I was expecting a larger turnout, but in comparison to the number of events where only a certain  fraction appears, this was without question the best trnout, as the majority who said they would come actually did. Alas, we had food, we loligagged, and even had a bit of a humorous Gangman Style dance session (which I DIDN'T take part in.) Still it was a fun afternoon, too bad I couldn't take any photos of it.

In any case, there isn't that much to say in reference to this, but not a bad event at all. Sorry for the short post, but perhaps in the future, I'll get back to making longer posts, as well as some reviews for a change. Seiko Takeda, signing out.

Ev14: International Cosplay Day 2K12

International Cosplay Day, which I'll shorten to ICD, was a blast, and I attended the 3rd Annual ICD for this year with buddies from the DC Anime Club, which was split into a weekend. Lots of photo-bombing, girl power, and photoshoots happened that day, and we were the highlights at the US Botanical Gardens in DC.

The first day had a large group consisent of myself, friend and Club Prez Chris Wanamaker, and his wife, my friend and fellow blogger Momo, along with many others I met either for the first time ever, or at club meetings and conventions. Dealing with a lot of people, it was kind of a hassle keeping everyone in check, and Mother Nature's indecisiveness didn't help matters. A day filled with laughter, dancing, and shenanigans, I couldn't wish for anything better for a Saturday, despite almost not making it. I dressed as Rokuro "Rock" Okajima of Black Lagoon.

For Sunday, it wasn't AS eventful, but in a way fulfilling, since I regrouped with Melissa Williams and company after parting ways with Chris and Momo. Assisting them with a music video they're doing (still in progress), the day didn't feel like a waste for me personally, as I once again donned the garb of Sailor Moon's Malachite that day. The weather was still a hassle to bear, but I came prepared for it. Following this, I went around Capitol Hill in the outfit (and no complaints were heard), and then switched up and headed home, but not without doing a little shopping.

Oh, speaking of which, I also had a pic taken Saturday with Capitol Hill in the background: one by myself, and one with a Vocaloid Cosplayer, and we both had green ties that day. And now I must wash the other one for the Lolita Picnic this coming Sunday at the Freer Gallery. I will post what I can about that another day.

All in all, a grand time, and here's hoping ICD 2K13 will be bigger. Seiko Takeda, signing out!

Ev13: Otakon 2012

Oh boy... this summer was hot, and once again I found myself near the Ice Cold Water guy in Baltimore, MD. Yep, Otakon 2012 happened there, and for me, it was my second and most interesting con year yet.

Unlike before, I had no room nor model kits, but I saw many things. From the Aniplex and Funimation booths, to the tables of the likes of Nekocon and adult visual novel company Mangagamer. I also attended the Masquerade show... scratch that. I was actually IN it, debuting in a new costume. The Saturday evening and Sunday of the con, I dressed up as Truth from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Even now, I'm thinking of others, among which Shirou Emiya of Fate/Stay Night and Roger Smith of The Big O. I also met the likes of Aya Hirano, who is the seiyuu of Haruhi Suzumiya from the Haruhi Suzumiya works (which I blogged about before.) But the GREATEST honor, and what I'll never forget is that Jason David Frank, who played the role of Tommy for Mighty Morphing Power Rangers, and Power Rangers Zeo, Turbo: The Movie, and DinoThunder, was actually present in Otakon this year.

To our dismay, Jaleel White (who voiced Steve Urkel from Family Matters as well as the first voice actor for Sonic the Hedgehog) , nor Eddie Lebron, who made fan films for both Sonic and Mega Man, couldn't be there, nor was the Sonic fan film in which White reprises the role. I also managed to see my cherished friends as well as a certain cosplayer I keep seeing since Tigercon last year. Still, she pulls off Street Fighter's Juri Han well. And kinda late for me, and somewhat irrelevant, but I tried for the first time Street Fighter X Tekken. I'll post my thoughts about this in Seiko's Gamer Base later.

Otakon 2012 was fun indeed, I just hope next year I have much more to write home about... as well as something to spend. Seiko Takeda, signing out.

Ev12: Fiesta Asia 2012

I know it's been long since I've done ANY posting, and I'm sorry about that. But things have become complicated, what with having limited internet service as well as my preparations for July and August (another issue I'll address soon.) In the meantime, I came back from yesterdays excursion at Fiesta Asia 2012, down near the National Archives in D.C. Once again, I went with my friends of the anime club and had a wonderful, yet humid, time, busting out my Rock (Black Lagoon) cosplay for the first time. As with any Fiesta Asia, we took part in the Cosplay Parade, though unlike a year ago, I didn't have to march with the banner myself this time. We also had a few photoshoots here and there, photos I'm still waiting to see, and with my Blackberry I took a few more, some of which I will put on here a little later.

As for what's ahead, I'm not only going to Otakon in July, but the month after, I'll be in Europe for a while, namely Austria, so it's doubtful if I'll have internet, let alone be able to review anime for a while. However, in the mean time, I'm also involved with this documentary that the students of George Washington University students are doing about anime (I know, it's exciting for me.) It's unnown if copies of this will be made, but if possible, that would be great. VERY doubtful if I can sync this to the Wolf Vlogger, though. In any case, that's it for now, but stay true and golden, and I'll post again sometime later. Seiko Takeda-Wolf, signing out!

Ev10/11: Sakura Matsuri and Anime Marathon

Well, I am back and this time it's a two-in-ne event post.

First up is Sakura Matsuri from this past Saturday. I promised a friend and coordinator i would show up as well as dress up, and despite its condition, I did dress up as Malachite once more. Part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, it celebrated 100 years since the gift of the Charry Blossoms from Japan. As for the turnout, the largest yet for D.C. I mean people were EVERYWHERE!! An emcee dressed as Goku did covers, I got stopped constantly to have photos alongside my friends (one of them was Queen Beryl, the rest as Sailor Moon, Mini Moon, and Mercury), and I saw most of my friends there as well. All and all, worth spending 5 to get in for.

As for the Anime Marathon, I found myself again at the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Gallery in downtown D.C. It was a Studio Ghibli kind of day, where people cosplayed Ghibli, we had a panel dealing with Ghibli, we had movies done in Ghibli, as well as as Scavenger Hunt and art workshop dealing with... of course, Ghibli. My friend Cheyenne handled the latter workshop, and for a while, I helped out while debuting as Howl from Howl's Moving Castle. First time I ever tried that, and it was rather well. Would be better if I had a handmade Lucifer, though. And there may be something special awaiting me at Otakon, though.

Still, quite a fun weekend for only holding 15.00. Still, I'll upload the photo I could grab later. Seiko Takeda-Wolf, out.

Ev9: Art of Video Games

While I still await Sakura Matsuri 2012, I took a chance and went to the Museum and Portrait Gallery in downtown Washington, DC, where they had the Art of Video Games exhibit.

The entire 3rd floor had games to show, the history behind them, as well as a few to play. I was so excited to go in there, and it pleased me. Not every system was showcased however, but it did range from the days of old, featuring the likes of Commodore 64 and Atari, the 90's that featured the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive and Super Nintendo, all the way to present day with the current trio: the Nintendo Wii, Sony's PlayStation 3, and Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Hideo Kojima was there, and this man was the creator of popular Konami series Metal Gear Solid. Game enthusiasts and museum goers alike had a fun time, some of which, like myself, gettiing a bit of nostalgia from seeing the consoles of the past. I'm an all round gamer, but I was enjoyed seeing Sega Saturn there, as it's one of my favorites next to the Genesis. It looks as if it'll be around for quite a while so I may go again. But even if you don't see what you want to see, I feel you may get some fulfillment from this exhibit if you go. This is Seiko Takeda, closing another event post for now!!

Ev8: Tigercon

Last year, I was at Towson University deep in Virginia, where another convention, Tigercon, took place. The painful bit is that it wasn't Metro-accessible, but like any anime con, it had the standard stuff available.

Not a lot to say about it though. As far as conventions in general, Tigercon is pretty small compared to the 3 main targets for anime lovers. Photos of a few cosplayers I saw there, as well as a few videos are uploaded on my FB page, but I'm sure telling people this in general is irrelevant. I may soon make a page or two for photos and videos on this blog, so be patient. Still, while travel was a problem, they were nice enough to allow us to eat at their cafeteria, which was essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet (but with minors there, Sake was out of the question.)

Even so, it was a nice time, despite only being around for one day, and I hope that they go for it again with more things available. Seiko Takeda, once again signing off.

Ev7: Katsucon 18

Originally, it was doubtful I would even go, but as a club officer, I did get dibs in going to Katsucon 18 at the National Harbor, running its eighteenth year. I'm sure a few are wondering like "Wasn't he there LAST month!?" To answer, yeah, I was, but so were a few other recognizable faces.

In the east coast, it's one of the main anime conventions around, the others being AnimeUSA and Otakon. I couldn't score any Gundam kits this time around, and a relative of mine was supposedly there, but I did get to reunite with old friends, as well as some cosplayers I saw from this other convention named Tigercon (which I'll talk about next, photos of that are on my FB page.) I saw one of the guys from ScrewAttack once again, as well as our other partners T-Mode, with their con just 2 months away. Aside from the usual things, I found myself watching the Masquarade event in the Potomac Hall of the Gaylord. Very interesting to say the least, but around this time the World Cosplay Summit was also happening. Friends Melissa, Rusty and Penny was part of it, and did well on stage. In fact, personally, I think that their skit, the wooing skit with Kakashi, Tobi, and Sasuke from Naruto, and the "Ocarina of Time" in 5 minutes number for Legend of Zelda stood out.

The con had their issues, such as an accidental spillage as well as the fact that people weren't doing their proper shifts (which was why I was there). The price for food and concessions were still a pain to deal with, but it was a fun time. Not the best one, but it was a blast. Sitting at the table also had its merits, but I won't get into that here... yet. I can only imagine what Katsucon 19 will have in store, but we'll just have to wait on that. Other cons such as AnimeUSA, Otakon, T-Mode, and for out first time appearing Balticon, are approaching. I'll try to keep you up in the know about these events, but for now, I'm getting a bit of a headache. Seiko Takeda, once again signing off.

Ev6: Magfest X

I know it's late. Just had to organize my thoughts. Early this month, I had the privilege to work as a dealer in the convention Magfest. Running its 10th year, I found myself going back to the Gaylord Hotel and Resort in the National Harbor, MD.

The commute was bothersome, and lunchtime was a curse, but it was fun going there. The convention is unlike any of the others I've went to. For one thing, it felt more like a gamer's Heaven and Hell than anything related to anime. In fact if I must say so, it was clearly dominant of video games, even for cosplay. This fact I don't mind at all, because being there put the gamer in me into berserker mode. While there, I tried out some titles old and new, mainly Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition: Version 2012, Tekken Tag Tournament HD, EA's NBA JAM, and Dance Dance Revolution Extreme. What's more, I tried more Asian treats from the vendor across from the table I was manning, and even got to meet some of the people of the game site ScrewAttack face-to-face, even though I SOMEHOW missed James Rolfe, who is known as Cinemassacre's Angry Video Game Nerd (a webseries I'm VERY fond of.). Nobou Uematsu, known for the music from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, was also there, and along with the concerts, everyone had a blast seeing him. Walking through there felt like an Antiques Roadshow for gamers, as old games, parts and consoles, both US released and foreign, were sold here, and even some hand-created games for the older consoles appeared.

Frankly, I'm glad I went. I felt as though I revisited my past being there, mostly from Sega Genesis and Saturn, and got some good competitions in. I felt, however, that it was aimed more towards retro gamers, as most of the tournaments dealt with the real classics from back in the days of early Nintendo and Atari. There were even pinball machines there. I don't mean the small ones you buy for your kids, I'm speaking of the 4-leg, coin-op ones we usually see in arcades and bowling alleys. Speaking of arcades, there were many, and I mean MANY arcade machines there, from Dig-Dug to Initial D to Capcom vs SNK 2. Thankfully, we didn't need to bring an overhaul of quarters to play any of them (it's enough of a hassle for travel, pass fee, and food, and if your lucky or rich enough, a room!)

Magfest X was a definite thrill, though the shift had me drinking on the first night (but then again, my old man DID treat me.) I hope the next time it comes nearby, I'll be able to have more of a fun time, and maybe get some souvenirs  as well. But by then, I better be gaining an income for such a thing. Seiko once again, signing off for now.

Ev5: Sailor Moon Party

Yesterday, I was at Barnes & Nobles Booksellers in Georgetown, Washington D.C., with fellow anime friends who held a party. But it wasn't just a mere party. We did this to celebrate the return of the Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon manga.

Now, to bring you up to speed, I've covered the anime series already, in post LX (60) to be exact, but I don't believe I spoke anything of the manga. Now, and note I learned some of this during the party itself, but Sailor Moon was developed from the manga Sailor V, a manga that focused on one of the 5 sailor scouts as the main heroine. This same character would later appear in Sailor Moon as the 5th scout member, Sailor Venus (ironic, eh?) However, much like how I pointed this out in other anime, the manga has different plot directions, such as one of the scouts turning evil, and even a somewhat different fate for some of the enemies. In Japan, the manga was published by Kodansha, while Tokyopop (which is no longer active) released it here for the USA.

The purpose of this party was to celebrate its return to the states, featuring a whole new translation. Both Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon and the Sailor V manga debuted yesterday, but to our dismay, thanks to weathering, much issues weren't sent initially. Even so, I did manage to take a peak at them, both licensed by (oddly fitting) Kodansha Comics USA. Now with this said, even back when it was announced, there was talk going around about a re-licensing of the anime. Now, this I can't really vouch for. I said before in the franchise review that the franchise was license by two different companies for the US, each holding 2 titles of it a piece, save for Sailor Stars (which was never dubbed). The most recognized dubbing thus far was the one done by Disney subsidiary DiC Entertainment. And by that, I speak of it being famous for not only an overhaul of censorship, but also changes in dialogue and format. Anyway, it was rumored that popular anime licensor Funimation Entertainment was thinking about re-licensing the franchise, but as of now, that's all it is: a rumor. Currently, the licensing is under Toei Animation (the same people who licensed Dragon Ball before Funimation did so for USA), with no solid clue as to when it will be licensed for US re-release, if at all.

Anywho, the party was grand, and oddly enough, that party was the first time I ever truly cosplayed, as I was dressed as Malachite/Kunzite, one of the antagonists from the first arc. I thought more would appear, but aside from daily lives, there were other reasons why some couldn't make it. As with any event done by DC Anime Club, it was advertised in the papers, though I feel a slight criticism towards one of those press release groups. I had a grand time, save that there was no food and drinks (outside food aren't allowed in the bookstore, for what I understand), but we did have games and activities, and we made our presence known. Something tells me that, thanks to this, I'll be hearing the word bishounen for a long while.

In any case, the night was great (and fitting with the full moon out, which is truly ironic) and I hope that the rumor of the anime re-licensing upgrades to a confirmed possibility somewhere down the road. Even so, I can honestly say this proudly:

"Welcome back to the USA, Sailor Moon!"

Ev4: Otakon

A day late I know, but I returned from Otakon, one of the largest conventions around locally. For the first time going, I enjoyed myself, but only regret not getting a proper camera to vlog about it yet. Maybe the next con, AnimeUSA, will work out differently.

Aside from choosing a far place to stay with pretty much no roommates, the experience was thrilling for the most part. I did have a bit of a financial hassle of the first day, but my family and I, after much searching, got it settled. On the plus side, I did some shopping, got my black wing at last, next to 3 model kits, and a purple bell on a clack collar, like a cat. (Don't ask about why I did that...)

Anyway, I'm back to being broke, and at this point, I'm making efforts to save up for AnimeUSA, which is closer than Otakon in terms of locale for me. Anyway, many people felt unsatisfied. I did too, but only in terms of my hotel stay, though it was nice but costly. Hopefully, I'll upload photos of it soon, after I get the film developed. Signing off for now, this is Seiko Takeda saying: "God bless the spirit of otaku everywhere!"

Ev3: Animania @ FYE in Ballston Common Mall

It's me again. Returning from this relentless heat, I was in Arlington for the first time in half a year, with Otakon 6 days away. The event in question is regarding Animania, something held monthly at FYE stores. During this time, anime and things of the like go on sale.

I was out there with some great friends of mine, and while it wasn't as lively as normal, it was entertaining to say the least. One of my friends made some inappropriate jokes while we were there, but it was all fun and games (still, my head is basically burned now.)

All I can say is that I hope is more lively next year. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be tempted to get not only that special controller, but also that DVD i found. Anyway, Seiko, signing off!

Ev2: Reni Mimura's Maid Cafe

I was out today in DC, Dupont Circle, to be exact. Turns out on P Street, there's a place called Cafe Japone. I remember seeing it before, but not really paying mind to it a long while back. My first time inside there was great. Of course, spacing was an issue, but I have no complaints of the food.

It was today of all days that Jpop idol Remi Mimura was in DC, and her Maid Cafe was here for the first time. I've actually seen her before, but I felt honored to actually see her in the area. There wasn't much of a crowd, but she performed, very well I might add, and I ate a Japanese Omelet, which was surprisingly better than any omelet I ate before. I think her little charm, as silly as it was, made it better.

Too bad this is no longer happening in the DC area, but she has others, and should I end up in Boston or New York, I'll try to come by, though chances are, I'll end up seeing her in a local event here at some point (which makes me happy alone, honestly!) This is Seiko Takeda, signing out for now!

Ev1: DC Comicon, and what's ahead...

Hey everyone. I'm taking a break from my usual posts today because I recently came back from DC Comicon, which mainly deals with comic books, mostly the antique ones. As people interested in the works, a few good friends and myself were there to promote ourselves, as well as to assist the people who bothered to put this thing together for the first time in the DC Metro Area. The ride to Fairfax was a pain, but the fun made it all the more worth it.

Now, as for whats ahead. If you fellow otaku don't know it already, I'm looking at days until I depart for the second largest con on the east coast: Otakon in Baltimore. In addition, I will pretty much do an overhaul about titles I've seen already, starting with the 92nd post reviewing Ninja Nonsense. Still, I'll keep up with any new or unheard, and I'll begin updating about any adaptions or newer works in the making as well. Just a little FYI, but I apologize in advance if some of these possible adaptions bleed your ears. Should you want me to check out a specific title/series, let me know. I'm always seeking new things to speak of.

Anyway, enough ragging. Until the next review, this is your blogger Seiko Takeda-Wolf, signing out!!