Otakon, the largest American anime convention on the east coast, is in trouble. Due to the ongoing pandemic stifling last year’s event and the nonprofit nature of its parent organization, Otakon is at risk of shutting down for good. In order to fight off this unfortunate possibility, Otakorp is now, for the first time ever, accepting donations online.
I make no effort to hide the fact that Otakon is by far my favorite anime convention. I’ve been an attendee since before I started Edm Junkies all the way back in 2007, and I’ve gone as press (and occasionally even a panelist) every year since. Writing con reports and conducting interviews with great Otakon guests have become staples of this blog and my experience as an anime fan. Donating to Otakon has been one of the easiest decisions I ever made.
What I love so much about Otakon is that it never feels as commercialized compared to some of the professionally run anime conventions that are so common these days. I can expect interesting guests from Japan, including those who might not be as well known to the mainstream anime fan, and it’s always a pleasure to pick their brains for industry insight. I also love the fan panel culture that has grown out of Otakon, where every year is full of genuinely enthusiastic presenters, both new and seasoned, who encourage their audience to explore a little further and think a little deeper about anime, manga, and fandom. And it’s also been a great place to connect to many of the fellow fans I’ve met online.
In honor of Otakon and in hopes of it continuing on, I’ve decided to list some of the great interviews I’ve done at the convention over the years. I hope they can at least show you why it’s a cultural touchstone worth saving.
Furuya Toru, the voice of Amuro Ray and Tuxedo Mask (Otakon 2019)
Inoue Kikuko, the voice of Belldandy and Aina Sahalin (Otakon 2019)
Kawamori Shoji, creator of Macross (Otakon 2018)
Furukawa Toshio (Piccolo, Kai Shiden) and Kakinuma Ai (Naru in Sailor Moon) (Otakon 2017)
P.A. Works, the studio behind Shirobako (Otakon 2016)
LeSean Thomas, co-director of The Boondocks and creator of Cannon Buster (Otakon 2016)
Takamatsu Shinji, director of Gundam X and J-Decker (Otakon 2015)
Park Romi (Edward Elric, Loran Cehack) press conference (Otakon 2015)
Seki Tomokazu, the voice of Domon Kasshu (Otakon 2013)
