Outside Memories of the 2015 Sakura-Con..

I love these fandom gatherings.

Recently, I joined among the many in colorful costumes for the celebration of an interesting sub-culture. Here, together to celebrate their love for the Japanese anime/manga; including related games, art and lit. The grand show inside (of which I was unable to attend) was the great Sakura-Con, held annually in Seattle’s downtown convention center. The outside show in the back park area stretching some blocks, is a fan driven compliment to the event.

I spent good time outside the event in the back park area, there to meet up with old visiting friends. While around, I had great fun, cheering on the celebrated icons of Japan’s contributions to pop-culture, and learned much on the new popular trends of today’s “otaku” faire.

I took some pictures with two cameras. The sunny weather was perfect for that, adding vividness to the amazing array of colorful attires. Here below, with notes:

Dressed as characters from an anime/manga TV show, Cardcaptor Sakura.

A giant handmade Pokemon creature, made by the mohawked person in the back. Many cheered on this giant creature.

Link and a fairy (from a later game I think, of which I have yet to play)..from the Legend of Zelda series

WaLuigi, brother to Wario. Not sure who the other us.

Vegeta and Piccolo perform the fusion dance. I am not a big fan of Dragonball Z, yet have been enough of the fandom to pick up on this stuff.

Godzilla!!

From the worlds of the Walter Robot studios, of which I know very little. I know for sure, this make-up job is awesome.

Jokers and Harley Quinns. They are not of the Japanese culture origins, but they fit well as the anime/manga altpop culture welcomes all fantasy, sci-fi, superhero, etc genres of creative storytelling.

Not sure who she is from but that makeup job and costume detail is phenomenal.

Vash the Stampede and Wolfwood, crossplayed from the classic Trigun anime series. This brings love and peace to my heart, to see fans bring life to one of my fav series of years ago.

These players are from the Yu-Gi-Oh game and anime franchise. Well done!

I think she is from a newer show called RWBY. Not sure, but nice detail.

An odd traditional game played every year here during the show. This involves a large circle, where those inside the circle kick around a bottle. The bottle points to someone in the circle, signalling for a walk and a hug to that person. That person replaces and fronts to the middle of the circle, to repeat the circle. There are some various chants and songs that sometimes happen.

Characters from the long-running One Piece anime/manga series. The fandom of this was so huge, that a separate gathering far in the back of the park happened; where fans put on their own cosplay show.

A small portion of a massive League of Legends gathering (based on a very popular video game). The fandom and dedication to this astounds me.

Some fun under a bridge, which I helped with for a friend (in the bunny suit). Here, many enjoyed a hop scotch game for to promote her Android dating/social meet-up app, Cuddli..

Another character from League of Legends, I think. I like this shot.

A wild Pokemon spotted!

From the anime series, RWBY. Note: Monty Oum, the animator and creator of RWBY and many short films I admired, passed away last year at the age of 33. His work lives on with the fans.

Not sure on this series..but I like the craftsmanship.

A lady adorned with many Moogles (from the Final Fantasy video games). I hope they are clingy, and not dead..heheh.

Lara Croft, as portrayed in a recent and very gritty retcon of the Tomb Raider game franchise.

Well, that’s all for now. I had a huge blast for the one day of three (I only had the time for, and why I didn’t go for a pass to the grander show inside). I give a huge thanks to all those who shared the joys of their fandoms, with the cosplay and cheers. Good times shared, are the best times.

– Orion T

Pictures of Yesterday 4/20/14

I can never resist a gathering this colorful.

And here, was the Sakura Con; a gathering of a different sort than yesterday and day before’s NorWesCon. This event focused more towards the appreciation and partaking of Japanese anime and manga. Much of the action was inside the convention center, where the event was centered. However, the heavy rains of the last days finally stopped. Many attendees came out the open behind the convention center, to enjoy the sun and surroundings of each other.

Above, is a Sakura Con tradition continued; where many gathering in a circle whole other participants each kick a bottle and eventually have it spun to a someone connecting the circle. That person soon gets a hug from the bottle kicker, and replaces the other..to continues the cycle.

Also, there some dancing, posing for cameras, and more fun-having.

Here are a few pics..
I’ll post more up, another day..

…

Picture by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Cosplay fun at Sakura Con – Part 2 (of 3)

Here below, are the next set of pics from my brief visit to the 2013 Sakura Con Northwest Anime Convention, in Seattle. For the first set and opening commentary, click here.

This set is focused on the outside fun. The day was bright and wonderful, with cherry trees in bloom and the sky blue. This environment and wide open space was perfect for its for anime, gaming, alternative “geek” culture enthusiasts. Here are some observations on this gathering, based on similar musings over the many years at other alternative pop culture conventions.

Anime conventions bring a younger, more energetic crowd. Most come to entertain and be entertained. Being outside, often leads to random conversation and sharing of favorite things, especially if wearing a costume, apparel, or even holding a sign referring to similar interests. This can also leads to…
Singing and dancing. Some bring their own instruments and voices. Conventions and sponsors sometimes liven it up with their own special paid performers. But overall, the attendees will gather around and cheer on entertainers (especially if it’s Japanese pop or Japanese rock.).
Impromptu games happen. Often these began after a large circle is formed. At this event, I observed some sort of bottle kicking game in the center of a circle here. Succession leads to massive hugging, and myself being a bit puzzled in this observation. Other things I have noticed in the past and a little here are sing-a-longs, dance-offs, and the occasional pretend fight.
Some shows are measured in popularity by their frequency in cosplay. Bleach, Naruto, Gurren Lagann still carry a strong presence. Nintendo and Disney, Capcom company characters also have a strong infiltration. Cosplayers centered around fan-favs often gravitate together, merging for amazing (sometimes surreal), group photo shots and posing.

Below is much of that fun. Click on each images for the full picture and additional text details.