Otakon 2007: 夢のカケラのように [AAA Part 3/FINAL]

For the past three days I’ve been trying to figure out how to write this up without breaking into tears.

But perhaps it would be better if I explained it metaphorically.

The events of the first day might be compared to a 3-course dinner. The AAA concert being the appetizer, the autograph session being the main course, and chancing to see AAA themselves walking past and telling us good-bye a very special dessert.

Likewise, the events of the past three days would be the three meals of the day. The concert was that necessary and energizing breakfast. The Q&A was lunch, the meal that keeps a person going. And the last day was dinner, the most satisfying meal of the day. So satisfying that, as I’d later comment to those who were there (and had to put up with me, sorry!), I didn’t want to head back home.

Otakon 2007: A CRAZY GONNA CRAZY interview [AAA Part 2]

On the second day of Christmas- er, the con, we got up early. Ridiculously early. By my standards at least. (But hey, for Christma- um, the con, it was worth it! The con may as well have been Christmas in summer for this AAA fan. Beautiful weather, AAA, fun times, AAA, beautiful Baltimore, AAA – lather, rinse, repeat.) This was done partially to oblige a friend of mine who was rooming with us but not an AAA fan who needed to get his badge for convention-entering purposes. I say partially because the con doors open at 9, and the AAA Q&A panel was at 11. We (Icy, Ilan, DaRon, and I) ran to get there and get good seats. Nicolette, Kristi, Paulina, and Paulina’s ever-so-amazing mother joined us later.

Otakon 2007: How to set fans’ BLOOD on FIRE [AAA Part 1]

While at any other time I would gladly attend an anime convention and fit in – let’s face it. This time it was all about AAA.

But let me start off with a big thanks to Jim Vowles and the staff of Otakon not only for having AAA there, but especially the latter for putting up with certain very happy die-hard fans. Self included. (I’m pretty certain that by the end of the autograph session today, not only were the staff handling the AAA sessions amused that we’d showed up every time, but possibly slightly scared of us.)

So, first day. Not very important, actually.

Unless you count AAA’s first overseas “concert”.

Otakon 2007.

Okay, so I’m going to have to kindly ask that you forgive the next three or so posts I will be making on this blog.

All will be related to Otakon 2007.

But I cannot promise any coherence.

Because for me to call it anything but the best weekend of my life would be a lie.

Summertime Things, Summertime Loves, Summertime Fun.

Let’s cap off this week of catch-up and kick off my weekend at Otakon with AAA’s latest single!

Okay, so Triple-A’s triple-a-side of a summer single, 夏もの [Natsumono], was officially released yesterday so it’s not really catchup. But the promotional video was released a good month-and-a-half beforehand – and surprisingly, there hasn’t been much talk about it. Was the leaving of Yukari really that much news?

Not that it matters to avex, because AAA’s first single without her is one of their strongest showings. Er, PVs nonwithstanding, that is. Let’s not even get into those.

I met the music… and it was good.

the brilliant green is returning. In fact, the PV for their comeback song has aired and is already floating about the Internets.

But you know, funnily enough, the only interest I ever developed in them was because of one song (Rainy days never stays) and the solo projects of guitarist Matsui Ryo and vocalist Kawase Tomoko. (Let’s conveniently ignore the fact that I occasionally still get them confused at times with Do As Infinity and its members, Owatari Ryo and Van Tomiko, both of whom also have their own active solo projects now.) And even more so because they each had a song associated with an anime.

But let’s ignore that because Matsui Ryo has some great music out, regardless of the anime attention two of his songs got.

Take a look at the full album instead, packed full of UK goodness. That’s right, UK – not Japanese, not American, not some other European country, it’s good old “Great Britain”. (I swear to you no disrespect was intended. Though I may be a silly little American.)

I met the music is full of UK rock vocalists and like-minded music, an exploration into music styled after the British 80’s linked under the name of “meister”, with lyrics by Tim Jensen. But it’s a satisfying journey, and there’s no reason you won’t find a song you’ll like even if the album as a whole fails to appeal.

JPTV Summer 2007 Season

Alright, alright, we’ve established that I’m behind. Very much so behind. Bear with me here as I attempt to catch up – you’ll bear with me, right? Of course you will.

I partially considered ignoring Japanese TV altogether this summer – because I’ll be spending a third of it in Hong Kong and surrounding areas, most likely lacking a proper internet connection with which to watch any of it. But ohhhh, no matter how hard I try, its siren call always claims me back.

All that glitters is not gold.

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? (Didn’t we go over this sentence before?)

As much as I’d like to blame my absence on being AAA-minded and work (Yes, this one too.), I’m afraid that’s not completely the case.

You see, Hamasaki Ayumi’s latest music video, glitter, recently aired.

I’m not a big fan of Hamasaki. I like some songs, I hate others. This song is one of those I’m more inclined to hate.

But I can’t. Because the video is set in Hong Kong and I’ve become automatically biased as a result.

Snack hunt! [2007/06/27]

Well, it’s been a while hasn’t it? I blame work for swamping my time, but I’ve got a few things lined up. If you’re still reading, that is.

So let’s start with this one: More than just the pop culture, I also like Japanese food.

Well, let me clarify. Snacks. Japanese brands of them. (Though the food is good too.)

I have an unhealthy (for my wallet) preference for onigiri when allowed to choose my own lunch, especially as I “work” within walking distance of three places that sell them. I’m rather fond of mixing it with takoyaki, too, be it freshly made or predone with panko depending on how much I feel like eating. I wholeheartedly believe that Calbee Tomato-flavored potato chips are the most addictive and delicious chips in the world (which makes it all the sadder that they are nowhere to be found in NYC). If you give me the choice, I will take Japanese candies over American anyday. Most specifically Morinaga Hi-Chew, but I’m not picky.

And while I’m not part of the masses that worship Pocky, I do take it upon myself to try any new flavors of its direct relative, Pretz, that come out.