The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7 things to do at Anime Weekend
Anime Weekend Atlanta is often considered DragonCon’s smaller, more family friendly younger sibling. The convention captures the spirit of nerdy celebration that makes its counterpart so popular but concentrates on anime, Japanese animation starring characters with colorful hair and large eyes. The four-day gathering is the largest anime convention in the Southeast and the sixth largest in the nation. This year 30,000 people are expected to attend. Here are seven things happening at the convention this weekend you can’t see anywhere else:
1. Daoko U.S. debut
The gently synthetic vibes of rapper-singer Daoko can be heard on animes like “The Dragon Dentist,” “Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul,” and “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?” The popular artist performs for the first time outside Japan at Anime Weekend Atlanta’s Saturday night rave at 11 p.m. Produers TeddyLoid, Voia, Taku Takahashi and duo Heavygrinder will D J alongside Daoko, taking turns providing the dance party’s anime-inspired soundtrack.
2. “Urahara” premiere
Anime distributor Crunchyroll will screen never-beforeseen content at a special panel at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Among the company’s premieres is a much-anticipated first look at “Urahara,” an anime following three girls whose shop is threatened by aliens intent on stealing the Earth’s culture. Anime Weekend Atlanta also offers screenings of older animes for fans to enjoy.
3. 80 hours of fan videos
Anime Weekend Atlanta hosts the Video Art Track, the largest event for video fan content. Creators submit videos lasting up to 18 minutes for screening at the Music Video Exposition. This year’s exposition has almost 80 hours of content and includes its own in-house awards. While some of the awards given out are traditional, others are made up on the spot by the Video Art Track crew to highlight innovation and creativity.
4. Final Fantasy concert
“A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy” reimagines the soundtrack for the iconic video game series Final Fantasy for a live chamber ensemble. Eric Roth provides musical direction and Final Fantasy XII composer Hitoshi Sakimoto composed the score. Tickets $10.
5. Official Viz Naruto Panel
The Japanese and American voices of “Naruto” team up with Viz media for a oneof-a kind panel to discuss the popular anime. Anime Weekend Atlanta hosts many different creators, voice actors and famous cosplayers every year. Other guests include “Adventure Time” artist Ian McGinty and Mass Effect voice actress Jennifer Hale.
6. One-of-a-kind fan art
Amateur and professional artists sell a variety of fan goods in the Artist’s Alley; everything from homemade jewelry to cosplay pieces are up for grabs. Officially licensed merchandise is available in the dealer’s room. On Thursday, fans can sell off old merchandise at the Super Happy Fun Sell, a fleamarket for gently used fan goods.
7. People watching
People watching isn’t unique to the convention, but the convention is one of the more unique places to participate in it. Anime Weekend Atlanta encourages cosplay, or people dressing up as their favorite fictional characters. Expect to see a lot of candy-colored wigs, intricate costumes and prop weapons. The gathering has several different cosplay contests; the top prize is a trip to Kawaii Con in Hawaii.