240 replies to this topic

[evaunit01berserk]

otakon 09 is over and now its one year away for 2010

For a change of pace, instead of my usual request for kotoko, i put in my request for the Macross Frontier singers May'n and Megumi Nakajima

Don't you fail me Jim!!!!


Edit: ::cough:: can a mod change that to musical guest request please?

Edited by Asrial Dune, 02 August 2009 - 06:54 PM.

[Asrial Dune]

*cough* Changed

[Purple One]

This may be wishful thinking, but I'd kill to have Aqua Timez come to Otakon. I can understand and accept why they'd be hard to get, but you have no idea how happy seeing them would make me. Can we just 'playfully' request them and see if we get lucky?

[UhOhxitsNami]

Nami Tamaki!!

... Pleeeease?

[alabaster]

*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*

[Firakoshadow]

Theres nothing like shooting for impposble guests that ill prolly never see but HAHAHA... I have to...

Maximum the Hormone (hahah dont hit me please ^___^)

Id die happy to be able to see them and here Bikini Sports Ponchin live once in my life (of course id expect What's Up People and Zetsubou Billy as well

MTH FTW

[Aresef]

Putting in some of the usual requests...

Ichiro Mizuki
Mitsuko Horie
Anybody from JAM Project again, just because
Mosaic.wav
Susumu Hirasawa
Boom Boom Satellites
Psychic Lover

[sephroth7]

Hmm Id like to suggest (In no particular order)

Megaromania
Nega
Secilia Luna
Exist Trace
Chariots


I tried to keep the list to those that haven't performed in the US ever (as far as i can remember)

[rotinoma]

KOTOKO
Eiko Shimamiya (pretty please~)
Nana Mizuki
Maaya Sakamoto
Faylan
Marble
Haruko Momoi
Chihiro Yonekura
Yukari Tamura
FictionJunction
May'n
Yousei Teikoku
eufonius
Suara
Ai Nonaka (or maybe as a normal guest?)
Yui Horie
High and Mighty Color......


oh wait, I guess once Jim's done hitting himself on the head, he can maybe talk about that music fest thing?

[Purple One]

*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*
*headdesk*

XD Sorry if my request is a bit much, I won't go into a psychotic rage or anything if we don't them them, I just figure that since we're asking, I'd ask.

And I know that I JUST saw them, but what is the likelihood of VAMPS coming back for a proper Otakon appearance? They seemed to have enjoyed themselves, and I know that seeing them was the highlight of my weekend. Their panel was just so short because of the tight schedule

[lambogirl]

lmao.

just wondering does ota usually get their guests from marumusic and tainted reality?

If so..

alice nine

& since they're fairly new in the Japan music scene I'd love to see Big Bang. That'd certainly bring in a huge crowd to Otakon.

um that's it. honestly..can I see some more male artists next yr? Only because I like fangirling .__. lol.

Edited by lambogirl, 03 August 2009 - 09:35 PM.

[Duelistbluerose]

This may be wishful thinking, but I'd kill to have Aqua Timez come to Otakon. I can understand and accept why they'd be hard to get, but you have no idea how happy seeing them would make me. Can we just 'playfully' request them and see if we get lucky?

I second this.

Bring AquaTimez puhleeze


And I wanna thank whoever was responsible for bringing Kanon Wakeshima. Her concert was one of the best times Ive had all year. Thank you!

[alabaster]

Kanon was a sweet kid with a lot of talent -- and for me the cello was the hook. I think she's going to go far and I thank our fans for being so responsive -- the concert was a success for her and Sony was quite happy.


And yes, after all the lovely ladies we had this year, I'll say that the first batch of musical acts we're pursuing are going to be a change of pace.

[onsenmark]

You know I've gotta put in my vote for May'n. I mean, C'MON NOW.

Also: Shonen Knife, The 5-6-7-8's, The Pillows...

Or, veering off in a different direction, how about getting Loudness to come to Ota? lol, w00t hair metal! XD

Also, any chance of getting Mell to come back for another show somewhere down the road? She totally blew me away(even though I was saddened by not being able to get a CD... ).

Edited by onsenmark, 04 August 2009 - 12:28 AM.

[4r15u]

I would love to see mami Kawada, Olivia, Kotoko, Yui Horie. ^^

[alabaster]

Kotoko has played at a few cons already, and while I agree Mell was pretty awesome, we simply don't do much in the way of repeat musical guests.

C'mon, kids. Please. I spend the time to look up every single act you've ever suggested here; it would not kill you to remember the few guidelines I've mentioned. Here they are again:

I want Otakon to remain the premier musical act venue for Japanese music to reach the anime-convention audience. Typically speaking, Otakon will focus on bringing musical acts that will be making their US debut at our convention, or at least acts that have never played our type of show before. We tend to avoid acts that have appeared at multiple conventions, and tend not to bring any performers back to Otakon. (There are exceptions, of course -- Yoko Kanno is one I've mentioned several times because she remains a vibrant creative force a decade after her last appearance at Otakon; Yoshiki is another I'd consider primarily because he didn't perform when he was here.) We'll continue to innovate and try new things rather than just bring "a j-rock band" or "a j-pop band" each year.

So keep suggesting the hot new acts, or even the old acts experiencing a rebirth of sorts (that's how we got L'Arc~en~Ciel and Yoshiki, among others).

Edited by alabaster, 04 August 2009 - 08:16 AM.

[Duelistbluerose]

Kotoko has played at a few cons already, and while I agree Mell was pretty awesome, we simply don't do much in the way of repeat musical guests.

C'mon, kids. Please. I spend the time to look up every single act you've ever suggested here; it would not kill you to remember the few guidelines I've mentioned. Here they are again:

I want Otakon to remain the premier musical act venue for Japanese music to reach the anime-convention audience. Typically speaking, Otakon will focus on bringing musical acts that will be making their US debut at our convention, or at least acts that have never played our type of show before. We tend to avoid acts that have appeared at multiple conventions, and tend not to bring any performers back to Otakon. (There are exceptions, of course -- Yoko Kanno is one I've mentioned several times because she remains a vibrant creative force a decade after her last appearance at Otakon; Yoshiki is another I'd consider primarily because he didn't perform when he was here.) We'll continue to innovate and try new things rather than just bring "a j-rock band" or "a j-pop band" each year.

So keep suggesting the hot new acts, or even the old acts experiencing a rebirth of sorts (that's how we got L'Arc~en~Ciel and Yoshiki, among others).

Alabaster: How realistic is it for AquaTimez to come and perform?

Hehehe - okay, I'll stop geeking out now...........

[Shiro420]

Kotoko has played at a few cons already, and while I agree Mell was pretty awesome, we simply don't do much in the way of repeat musical guests.

C'mon, kids. Please. I spend the time to look up every single act you've ever suggested here; it would not kill you to remember the few guidelines I've mentioned. Here they are again:

I want Otakon to remain the premier musical act venue for Japanese music to reach the anime-convention audience. Typically speaking, Otakon will focus on bringing musical acts that will be making their US debut at our convention, or at least acts that have never played our type of show before. We tend to avoid acts that have appeared at multiple conventions, and tend not to bring any performers back to Otakon. (There are exceptions, of course -- Yoko Kanno is one I've mentioned several times because she remains a vibrant creative force a decade after her last appearance at Otakon; Yoshiki is another I'd consider primarily because he didn't perform when he was here.) We'll continue to innovate and try new things rather than just bring "a j-rock band" or "a j-pop band" each year.

So keep suggesting the hot new acts, or even the old acts experiencing a rebirth of sorts (that's how we got L'Arc~en~Ciel and Yoshiki, among others).

Someone who hasnt been here before?

How about Kishidan?

[Joran]

So keep suggesting the hot new acts, or even the old acts experiencing a rebirth of sorts (that's how we got L'Arc~en~Ciel and Yoshiki, among others).

the brilliant green?

And my perennial suggestion: Angela Aki

Sadly, they seem very much in line with what was here this year.

BTW, another inside baseball question. How do you sell Otakon and get musical guests to come here? Do you just say, "Would you like a free trip to the U.S.?" or do you start with marketing opportunities, raising profiles overseas?

Kanon was a sweet kid with a lot of talent -- and for me the cello was the hook. I think she's going to go far and I thank our fans for being so responsive -- the concert was a success for her and Sony was quite happy.

Glad to hear it. Definitely the cello was what attracted me as well. It's different and was a great concert.

Edited by Joran, 04 August 2009 - 02:15 PM.

[alabaster]

BTW, another inside baseball question. How do you sell Otakon and get musical guests to come here? Do you just say, "Would you like a free trip to the U.S.?" or do you start with marketing opportunities, raising profiles overseas?

Depends on who we're selling them to, who our connection is, how we connected, and what their goals are. Seriously, every pitch is different. We point to past successes and innovations, of course, and offer what is, at this point, a fairly standard package as a starting point for negotiations. At this point, the major labels (Sony, Geneon, Avex, etc.) and individual promoters tend to approach us with ideas based on their marketing plans. We may have specific acts in mind when we start, or a particular theme or style we're looking for, in which case we say "well, band ___ isn't quite what we're looking for this year, but we would be interested in band___" and see where it leads.

We're very lucky to be in a position where generally we have our pick of the options available.

Edited by alabaster, 04 August 2009 - 03:10 PM.

[Purple One]

Has Otakon ever invited an R&B artist? If not, can I suggest Wada Masaya as a nice change of pace? I found him when I was one day idly wondering "does Japan even have any R&B singers?" and stumbled across his Myspace page after a google search.

But yes, how about some new genres?

Edited by Purple One, 04 August 2009 - 04:02 PM.

[viga]

Anna Tsuchiya? Not only she can sing but she was a model and an actress. A concert, a movie showing a and panel. Famous for being the singing voice for Black Stones in the anime NANA.

M-Flo. Japanese hip hop. When was the last time if ever you had J-hiphop or R&B? How about Soul'd Out?

Since you were talking about some changes with musical acts I think giving R&B and Hiphop a chance is it.

Edited by viga, 05 August 2009 - 03:20 PM.

[alabaster]

Anna and M-Flo have both made recent appearances at other cons.

[The Otakutopian]

Any of these (if possible):

Buono! (J-Pop, performed songs for "Shugo Chara!")
NIRGILIS (J-techno)
MOSAIC.WAV (Akiba-pop)
m.o.e.v. (NOT a typo, performed the parapara song "Gravity" on "Lucky Star")
Minami Kuribayashi (performed songs on "Rumbling Hearts", also voice actress)
Nana Mizuki
Yui Horie
access
ZEEBRA (J-hiphop, I think)
Denki Groove (J-techno)

...and probably somebody who does parapara music.

I think at least one of these groups had already come to the US, but just thought I'd suggest them now.

[Ties]

I'm gonna suggest the group Scandal. As far as I know the only US con they did was Sakura-con 2008 and that was on the west coast. We need some Scandal on the east coast also pretty please? XD

[Shiro420]

Anna and M-Flo have both made recent appearances at other cons.

Which con did M-flo perform at? i can't seem to find it....

[alabaster]

Anna and M-Flo have both made recent appearances at other cons.

Which con did M-flo perform at? i can't seem to find it....

My bad, I misremembered. We looked into them a few years ago, and they were booked for some festival that conflicted -- wasn't another con.

[The Otakutopian]

And I also like to add...

YUI
SID (sang "Uso" on "Fullmetal Alchmist Brotherhood")
SMAP
Tokio
Two-Mix
V6

...and whoever sang the songs on the DS game "The World Ends With You".

(Again, I understand if none of them will be available. Just thought I'd suggest them anyway.)

Edited by The Otakutopian, 06 August 2009 - 08:39 PM.

[w-deremer]

second Kotoko & m-flo

-the newly-reunited Do as Infinity
-briliant green
-Tommyfebruary6
-Horie Yui
-Hamasaki Ayumi (a "never" guest I bet)
-Hirano Aya (she could piggy-back it on an appearance as a seiyuu)
-other parts of Hello! Project that weren't at AX '09 (which hosted Morning Musume), meaning Berryz Koubou, C-ute, etc...
-every little thing
-Nanase Aikawa
-dream/DRM
-AKB48 (or a portion thereof, another "never" guest, I know)
-Sonim

just a partial listing... and I realize the H!P & AKB48 requests are highly unlikely due to their popularity, among other reasons)

[The Otakutopian]

second Kotoko & m-flo

-the newly-reunited Do as Infinity
-briliant green
-Tommyfebruary6
-Horie Yui
-Hamasaki Ayumi (a "never" guest I bet)
-Hirano Aya (she could piggy-back it on an appearance as a seiyuu)
-other parts of Hello! Project that weren't at AX '09 (which hosted Morning Musume), meaning Berryz Koubou, C-ute, etc...
-every little thing
-Nanase Aikawa
-dream/DRM
-AKB48 (or a portion thereof, another "never" guest, I know)
-Sonim

just a partial listing... and I realize the H!P & AKB48 requests are highly unlikely due to their popularity, among other reasons)

Do as Infinity, Tommyfebruary6, or Aya Hirano would be nice too.

Oh and so would Rie Hamada or Miho Fujiwara (who both sang songs from "Marmalade Boy").

[Shiro420]

And I also like to add...

YUI
SID (sang "Uso" on "Fullmetal Alchmist Brotherhood")
SMAP
Tokio
Two-Mix
V6

...and whoever sang the songs on the DS game "The World Ends With You".

(Again, I understand if none of them will be available. Just thought I'd suggest them anyway.)

second Kotoko & m-flo

-the newly-reunited Do as Infinity
-briliant green
-Tommyfebruary6
-Horie Yui
-Hamasaki Ayumi (a "never" guest I bet)
-Hirano Aya (she could piggy-back it on an appearance as a seiyuu)
-other parts of Hello! Project that weren't at AX '09 (which hosted Morning Musume), meaning Berryz Koubou, C-ute, etc...
-every little thing
-Nanase Aikawa
-dream/DRM
-AKB48 (or a portion thereof, another "never" guest, I know)
-Sonim

just a partial listing... and I realize the H!P & AKB48 requests are highly unlikely due to their popularity, among other reasons)

I know Do As Infinity was actually here a few years back (2005-6?) so that prob won't happen, and I know SID has done a few cons. and I think Yui Horie is doing New York Anime Fest isn't she?

I'd like to request Perfume if they are ever possible.

[The Otakutopian]

I know Do As Infinity was actually here a few years back (2005-6?) so that prob won't happen, and I know SID has done a few cons. and I think Yui Horie is doing New York Anime Fest isn't she?

I'd like to request Perfume if they are ever possible.

Oh ok. Maybe they did perform earlier. I dunno.

Perfume would be nice too. I'd also like to request Sakine Meiko 'cause I liked her song "Seikan Hikou" (which had a sorta weird yet cute sounding electronic feel to it). Just another thought.

Edited by The Otakutopian, 06 August 2009 - 10:52 PM.

[alabaster]

Do As Infinity has NOT performed at Otakon, but they have performed at other cons. You may be thinking of Dir En Grey, which we did a promotion with when they were performing in Baltimore (though that also was not at Otakon).

Edited by alabaster, 06 August 2009 - 11:24 PM.

[vivitar]

I know Do As Infinity was actually here a few years back (2005-6?) so that prob won't happen, and I know SID has done a few cons. and I think Yui Horie is doing New York Anime Fest isn't she?

I'd like to request Perfume if they are ever possible.

Horie Yui is not coming to NYAF this year. AKB48 along with Makino Yui will be performing at NYAF.

[Shiro420]

Do As Infinity has NOT performed at Otakon, but they have performed at other cons. You may be thinking of Dir En Grey, which we did a promotion with when they were performing in Baltimore (though that also was not at Otakon).

I was thinking of the other two person band, The Indigo, who were here awhile back.

[alabaster]

Do As Infinity has NOT performed at Otakon, but they have performed at other cons. You may be thinking of Dir En Grey, which we did a promotion with when they were performing in Baltimore (though that also was not at Otakon).

I was thinking of the other two person band, The Indigo, who were here awhile back.

Or Angela. But neither of them remind me of Do As Infinity....

[Zero Sacrifice]

I was thinking Abingdon Boys School. -i am unsure if they've been at otakon before.-

[lambogirl]

oh man I forgot to add em to my list.
yup Abingdon Boys School !! (Mr. Nishikawa please come back 8D)

[DuelNatsuko]

Mika Nakashima (I say it evvvvvery year)
Yuna Ito
Tommy February6 / Tommy Heavenly6
misono (Koda Kumi's sister)
Exist Trace
Abingdon Boys School
Stephanie
DA PUMP (lol a fangirl can dream)

[yamiko]

I would love to see:
yaida hitomi
Zwei
Acid black cherry

[anbai]

I'd love to see:
D (Japanese visual kei) http://www.d-gcr.com/
the GazettE (Japanese visual kei) http://www.pscompany.co.jp/gazette/
D=Out (Japanese visual kei) http://www.d-out.net/
Vistlip (Japanese visual kei) http://www.vistlip.com/pc.html
Canzel (Japanese visual/oshare kei) http://www.canzel.net/
Fahrenheit (Taiwanese boyband) http://www.fahrenciti.com/
Nan Quan Mama (Taiwanese rock) http://www.alfamusic...an/treasuremap/
HIT5 (Chinese boyband) http://www.youtube.c...er/OfficialHit5
Top Combine (Chinese boyband) http://www.top-combine.com/

I'm so excited for Otakon 2010!

Edited by anbai, 10 August 2009 - 06:03 AM.

[rotinoma]

Do As Infinity has NOT performed at Otakon, but they have performed at other cons.

Only one con, supposedly they canceled on the second.

But yeah...

[Tainted23]

I'll throw my requests out

Access (i'd die from fangirl squee if you get them!)
Uverworld
Aquatimez
Scandal
Abington Boys School

and as impossible as it might be possibly Megumi Hayashibara?

[farplaner]

I'd like to see MOSAIC.WAV!

[HanaKirei]

Here's a few thoughts! :3

~ Toshi with T-EARTH (pretty please? - I'd kill for the chance to hear Toshi sing live, even just once)
~ Sadie (haven't been here yet, plus they're made of win)
~ chariots (was technically scheduled to appear at Oni-con last year I believe, but they ended up having to cancel, thus still haven't made their US debut)
~ the GazettE (this is one I know probably won't happen, but it doesn't mean I won't put it out there - it'd be my dream come true, no joke)
~ ONE OK ROCK (<3)
~ Abingdon Boys School (c'mon, do I need to explain?)
~ 【_Vani;lla】(been making a pretty big splash on the scene from what I've seen)
~ Miyavi (okay, okay, this guy's been almost everywhere... exceeept the East Coast, which is why I'm mentioning him here)

[Natendowii]

One word. and just one world only...

GUROOGAMESH!!!!

other bands/artists I'd like...

Ichiro Mizuki
Psychic Lover
Casey Rankin...oh wait....
Firebomber
The Captains
AKI
KOTOKO
Angela Aki
Lynn Minmay
Sharon Apple
Gackt (Although at this point it's just wishful thinking)
Detroit Metal City...

Uhhh....that's all I have for now

[shinyaslove]

I remember a reply to a post for the 2009 con, that a musical guest that has appeared at another con doesn't mean they can't appear at the Otakon. So why do we keep getting the "they've appeared at other cons" spiel? If a group has only appeared on the west coast or the mid-west, why can't or won't you try to get them? With the state of the economy many of us cannot afford to travel from coast to coast multiple times in order to catch someone that we are dying to see be it musical guest or non-musical guest.

I believe in supporting the con that's in my own backyard but the novelty has worn off on the "other con" thing. The Otakon is the largest convention on the east coast. I'm sure that there are groups out there that would like to play the con because of that and because they have only been on the west coast. There have been guests that the Otakon has had in the past that I'd love to see back either because of how entertaining they were or because for whatever reason I was unable to attend their concert/panel. I understand your desire to have "new and upcoming acts" but a mixture would in my opinion, do your attendees a lot more service. Remember...just because a group or person has appeared elsewhere doesn't mean that everyone who would attend the Otakon would know of them. Why not introduce them to the east coast crowd?

The times have changed. The world has gotten smaller and things that were novel ten years ago may not be as effective now. If you look at the guest request threads for the past few years, the same groups/individuals pop up that are rejected off hand because they've played a con before. Obviously people want to see these people. Maybe it's time to think seriously about trying a new and still novel approach. "The best of the old and the brightest of the new." works for me.

[shinyaslove]

I remember a reply to a post for the 2009 con, that a musical guest that has appeared at another con doesn't mean they can't appear at the Otakon. So why do we keep getting the "they've appeared at other cons" spiel? If a group has only appeared on the west coast or the mid-west, why can't or won't you try to get them? With the state of the economy many of us cannot afford to travel from coast to coast multiple times in order to catch someone that we are dying to see be it musical guest or non-musical guest.

I believe in supporting the con that's in my own backyard but the novelty has worn off on the "other con" thing. The Otakon is the largest convention on the east coast. I'm sure that there are groups out there that would like to play the con because of that and because they have only been on the west coast. There have been guests that the Otakon has had in the past that I'd love to see back either because of how entertaining they were or because for whatever reason I was unable to attend their concert/panel. I understand your desire to have "new and upcoming acts" but a mixture would in my opinion, do your attendees a lot more service. Remember...just because a group or person has appeared elsewhere doesn't mean that everyone who would attend the Otakon would know of them. Why not introduce them to the east coast crowd?

The times have changed. The world has gotten smaller and things that were novel ten years ago may not be as effective now. If you look at the guest request threads for the past few years, the same groups/individuals pop up that are rejected off hand because they've played a con before. Obviously people want to see these people. Maybe it's time to think seriously about trying a new and still novel approach. "The best of the old and the brightest of the new." works for me.

I couldn't get the edit to work.

Just want to add now that I've gotten that other thing out of my system...

FAKE? they want to play at cons on the east coast. They are trying to break into the American market and the vocalist is bi-lingual
Acid Black Cherry
FAKE? I know they are already on my list but I really want to see them. I couldn't make the New Jersey concert because I was saving my money for the Otakon.
Toshi
Gargoyle-trash metal band...always has interesting costumes and very old school
DBSK-I know you are shooting this down already but at least pretend to look into it.
Machine

[alabaster]

People often forget that our explicit mission at Otakon is *not* to entertain you -- it's to educate. We exist to shed light on Asian culture.

Also, I have NOT said that we will never bring in a band that's played the US con scene before -- we had MELL this past year, after all, and I've long said that Yoko Kanno is on the list of people I would bring back if the opportunity presented itself. I *have* said that we prefer to bring in acts that are new to the scene and acts that other conventions do not have the resources or connections to bring about.

If you want to see the smaller bands that tour non-convention venues regularly -- support them directly by attending their shows. Otakon has in the past helped to promote and encourage our members to directly support artists, and we will continue to as long as I'm around.

If you want to see bands that routinely play smaller conventions, go to those conventions that feature the bands you want to see. Smaller cons need love too! And if Otakon gobbles up the acts that smaller cons can afford, it only makes us look greedy.

There are, however, plenty of bands that ONLY larger and more established cons have access to, either through contacts or sheer numbers. There are things that only bigger cons can provide. And that's the big reason why I feel we need to continue to innovate and take risks. It is also necessary to maintain our competitive edge.

That said, we are trying to figure out a way to set up a music festival that would feature many of those acts that don't get out East very often. This year hasn't been very kind on that front, but we have some groundwork laid, and I'd like to see it happen next year.

Edited by alabaster, 17 August 2009 - 10:14 AM.

[shinyaslove]

People often forget that our explicit mission at Otakon is *not* to entertain you -- it's to educate. We exist to shed light on Asian culture.

Also, I have NOT said that we will never bring in a band that's played the US con scene before -- we had MELL this past year, after all, and I've long said that Yoko Kanno is on the list of people I would bring back if the opportunity presented itself. I *have* said that we prefer to bring in acts that are new to the scene and acts that other conventions do not have the resources or connections to bring about.

If you want to see the smaller bands that tour non-convention venues regularly -- support them directly by attending their shows. Otakon has in the past helped to promote and encourage our members to directly support artists, and we will continue to as long as I'm around.

If you want to see bands that routinely play smaller conventions, go to those conventions that feature the bands you want to see. Smaller cons need love too! And if Otakon gobbles up the acts that smaller cons can afford, it only makes us look greedy.

There are, however, plenty of bands that ONLY larger and more established cons have access to, either through contacts or sheer numbers. There are things that only bigger cons can provide. And that's the big reason why I feel we need to continue to innovate and take risks. It is also necessary to maintain our competitive edge.

That said, we are trying to figure out a way to set up a music festival that would feature many of those acts that don't get out East very often. This year hasn't been very kind on that front, but we have some groundwork laid, and I'd like to see it happen next year.

Actually I do go to smaller cons to see certain acts/people if they are close because once they've played somewhere else I can be sure the Otakon won't have them and we aren't talking about unknowns. If a smaller con can get people that have routinely shown up on your forum as wanted, why can't you get them? I'd think it would be much easier to get them then acts that have no history in the states. I'd much rather have wow guests then who guests but that being said why not a mixture? Does the con ever think about doing more cross events like with Vamps? Maybe work with whatever group to have a concert outside of the con but have a panel like with Vamps? That way the con wouldn't have to take on all the work or the expense but can benefit from an act being here. I just think that it's a shame that people on the east coast have to miss out on anything simply because of where we live when the second largest con in the country is on the east coast.

I thought an Asian culture convention should both educate and entertain. Does the gaming room educate you more then it entertains you? Does the anime music contest ? Does showing anime ? If entertainment isn't part of a con I can see that con going the way of the dodo.