Anime convention changes the face of Baltimore
August 8, 2008
It’s that time a year again, when the enthusiastic, often obsessive followers of the subculture that is the world of anime (the melodramatic, often sci-fi influenced genre of Japanese animation), and manga, anime’s comic-book counterpart—come together, dress up like their favorite characters from Vampire Hunter D or Ninja Scroll, and stroll around the Baltimore Convention Center and its environs, hobnobbing with fellow enthusiasts and listening to talks by their favorite artists.
That’s right, it’s time for Otakon, the convention for the “otaku generation,” which has taken place in Baltimore since 1999. The group’s Web site says the fans plan to “descend on Baltimore to celebrate all anime, manga, and all facets of Asian pop culture!”
This year’s convention, which features notable artists such as Masao Maruyama, Kazuko Tadano and Hiromi Matsushita, is expected to draw about 20,000 people, make use of 4,500 hotel rooms, and have a total economic impact of $8-10 million, according to Sam Rogers of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.
“Having these wonderful people visit our city, explore Baltimore, and explore the worlds of anime and pop culture is great,” he said.
But the real treat, of course, is the costumes.
“There’s quite a range, from people dressed in kimonos—which is the subtle end of things—to the woman in the black outfit who was reaching to grab a cup of coffee from her friend, when her plastic knife fell out,” Rogers added.
We managed to snap a shot of this lovely convention attendee, dressed in a black-and-pink themed ensemble, complete with bunny ears, on her way to the party.
ROBBIE WHELAN, Business Writer
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