Over the years I’ve seen and experienced random things at Sakura-con.
For those of you that have never heard of this con, it’s a conference that has been run in Seattle, WA – always on Easter weekend – for anyone that appreciates anime, manga, cosplay, video games, and Japanese culture. For example, they have a manga library, where anyone can stop in and read up for free. They have whole rooms dedicated to Go or trying on kimono and taiko drum demonstrations right next to the latest video games from Japan and other rooms filled classic consoles and CRTs. Anyone interested in attending the con just needs to buy a ticket: it’s not for professionals or industry folks and a ton of people come from out of state to spend three days geeking out over almost everything.
20th anniversary this year – was a hell of a turnout. Cosplay was amazing this time around: more culture, more gaming characters, and less trampy play. Already looking forward to next year! Videos after the break!
OK, now I’m po’. Not destitute but the freakin expo center put a huge dent in my fun fund. Although, I did end up working a booth for a while. Yeah, I know, it sounds odd to me too, but I was wandering the lobby, some hot cosplay chick was holding a “Help Wanted” sign, I didn’t have anything pressing at that moment, they told me they’d pay me in merchandice, I swooned and spent 3 hours selling manga and anime to customers. Was actually pretty freakin’ fun, for the first stab at working retail in over a decade. Especially since the entire [humans in cosplay as the] cast of Bleach walked by at one point…
Funny thing: there were two perfect adaptations: one was Yachiru who even had the red blushed checks done and another woman as Orihime who, um, well, I don’t think she was at all padded. ^.-
Talk about feeling under dressed… yeesh. and while I couldn’t tell you what makes the diference there is such a difference between cosplay and dress-like-a-slut.
Anyway the line for registration was at least 150 deep at 8:30am – I <3 pre-registration ^.^
Sakura-Con 2007 is going on this weekend… and yes, I finally gave in and bought a three day pass. Now the question is whether or not I actually get off my ass and go.
Go be a fan boy and try to pay homage to Fred, Hawk, or Chris? Maybe. It’d throw in the Rooster Teeth or Errant Story crew, but I don’t think they’ll be there. Hell I don’t know who’s going to be there.
I do know one thing: if I see even one 350 pound man that’s furry from facial hair that dressed like Sailor Moon and that will be it. Decades of therapy. Endless nightmares. I’ll have to wax my head or something.
