To try and explain how amazing my trip to Anime Expo 2012 was with a few simple words is nearly impossible, but here’s my best attempt: Walking, lines, fun, cosplayers, more walking, more lines, and lots of amazing panels. Today is the second day after returning from the Expo, and I’m still a little sore. I also want to apologize for not posting any nightly updates as I had promised. The hotel I was staying at did not offer free Wifi, and I was too occupied during the daytime hours attending the expo.
So with all of that out of the way, I’ll now go over all the main points of interest during my visit. Check the full story for the scoop!
I first showed up on the morning of day 1 just before 6:00 AM, and the line was already starting to get pretty large. Upon entering the expo after 8:15 AM, I was greeted by a familiar sight in the main lobby. Last year there were Mikunopolis styled Toyota vehicles as part of the concert event. Since there was no such concert this year, the cars were instead branded with Mirai artwork.
Click the image to see the full size.
The second most notable thing you’ll spot of course is all of the cosplayers. There’s far too many to photograph or post here, so I’ve posted some of the notable cosplays and other various images on SeyrenLK’s facebook page. They can be viewed here. You can view those as well as random images not related to Vocaloid from here. There is also this fantastic fan video (not made by me) showing off several other amazing costumes.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iskDBgDUI2g]
The first Vocaloid panel on day 1 was an interesting one. I was late to it, but they still managed to let me inside in time to see the end of what appeared to be a miniature concert-like performance with MikuMikuDance models. They also showed a couple popular PVs. Below is a video I recorded near the end of the panel (click here for a larger size).
I missed the panel on day 2 of the expo due to yet again poor timing on my part, but from what I gathered, several well known Vocaloid producers were there. Dixie Flatline, DeadballP, and Vocaliod-P were among the names mentioned.
Day 3 was rather interesting since there was a Vocaloid panel held by Kenmochi Hideki, the cheif engineer of Yamaha Vocaloid. He went over the basics of how the Vocaloid engine works and even showed how the program is used. He also revealed rather interesting statistics regarding the differences between English and Japanese Vocaloids, and the average time needed to create a product. Based on this information, it’s safe to say that Crypton is taking extra time and care to make sure that Miku’s English release will be perfect.
After that panel ended, I had a picture taken with him and the nendoroid I’d been carrying around with me. I also thanked him for what he and the Yamaha staff have done by creating such a wonderful product that gave freedom and inspiration to so many artists around the world.
Click the image to see the full size.
After that, the rest of my time was spent in the exhibit hall and various panels until the end of the expo. It’s great to know that the Vocaloid community is still pushing strong and still holds a rather large presence at AX2012 without the need of a concert. Any of you who met me during my trip and spoke with me, I want to say thank you for helping make this trip such an awesome experience.
AX2013 looks like it holds a lot of promise for more exciting events, and I can’t wait for the future announcements. It even looks like SeyrenLK himself will be able to return next year as well. If you have any questions about the event or topics you think I may have missed, feel free to post them below!
About jrharbort
A Hatsune Miku fan since December 2007, jrharbort joined MikuFan as the Head Writer in October 2011. Follow on Twitter at @jrharbort.