Anime Conventions

It's about that time of year again when anime conventions start in full swing. Well...okay may you can find one going on somewhere in the world year-round, but personally, I start noticing once it gets closer and closer to Kawaii Kon, Hawaii's very own anime convention.

This year there are surely going to be some very cool guests at this year's Kawaii Kon which will happen on March 15-17. Guests ranging from DBZ's Piccolo's Japanese voice actor to up and coming fashion designer MINT from Japan to the American dub voice of Ichigo Kurosaki from BLEACH will be making their appearance over the 3 days. Unfortunately though, this year I will be missing out on the Kawaii Kon (for the very first time) due to some personal reasons which require me to be in California.

However, I am really jealous of all the fans who will get to attend this year's Sakura Con held on March 29-31 in Seattle, Washington. One of the guests of honor is Reki Kawahara, the creator of Accel World and Sword Art Online. Also, Aoi Eir will be performing some songs, one of which will undoubtedly be Innocence from Sword Art Online. Since Sword Art Online is my favorite series of right now, I couldn't be more envious of all the lucky con-goers that will get to experience such a special treat. I do hope that some time in the future, the Kawaii Kon will get to host them as guests.

Reki Kawahara, the creator of Sword Art Online and Accel World will be a guest at Sakura-Con in Seattle.

Anyway, there are a lot of Anime Conventions being held in the country. I invite you to check around and see if one will be held in your area. Even for those who are not fans of Japanese Anime, it is an interesting way to see a whole subculture that you might have never known existed.

To visit the Kawaii Kon page go here: Kawaii Kon Website
To visit the Sakura-Con page go here: Sakura-Con Website

Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou

Not long ago, I had written about Kenkou Cross and his Monster Girls, so it's probably not surprising that I love these non-human gals. Anyway, for a while now, I have been closely following Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou, a manga created by Okayado.

The setting for this manga takes place in Japan after a time when monster people have come out from hiding. They wish to now integrate with humans leading to a society that has to mix both human and non-human elements. Because of such, Japan is one of the stages starting homestay programs between individuals of the monster species and Japanese citizens.

One (lucky) guy becomes the host for one particular homestay, Miia, a lamia girl. The manga begins there, following the (lucky) guy's life as a host for the inter-species homestay program. As you might expect, the number of his freeloading homestay partners doesn't just stay with Miia. More non-human girls end up boarding at his home as well.

Centorea

This manga is surely one of my favorites right now. Right now, my favorite character in the manga is Centorea, the centaur girl. Anyway, It does contain some nudity and some adult situations, so if you dislike viewing such material, it's probably best to pass on reading this manga. The first two volumes of the manga are currently out in Japan with the U.S. release coming this October.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai

Not to long ago, I enjoyed an anime that covered the life of a particular boy that had "no friends." This was due to his delinquent-like looks causing misunderstandings. One day, he stumbles upon the secret of a classmate - she has no real friends. The only friend she has is an "air friend" (like air guitar) named Tomo.

Because they have no friends and can't join any clubs, the girl decides to make her own club, the Neighbor Club, under the premise that they can learn to be good neighbors. With this, the stage is set for Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai.

The anime follows Kodaka, the delinquent-looking protagonist, during his life with the Neighbor Club. Originally, it starts off with just him and Yozora but over time, more members join hoping to learn how to make friends. The concept of the anime is pretty fun and strange (seeing as how they joined a club to learn how to make friends, and end up gaining them in the process without so much as realizing it).

Anyway, the first season of the anime ran some time ago, but currently the second season has aired a few episodes. So far, since the beginning of the series, there have been a lot of laughs and great moments, so all in all, it is a fun anime to get into. Unfortunately this anime is not on Crunchyroll, but it is on Hulu, so if you're interested, do check it out.