So Anime Boston is over and done for the 2013 year: and it was my first Anime Boston.
As such, and as I was giving panels, I hadn’t paid much attention to the formal guest listings: so when I was in the queue trying to check in to the Sheraton, I was right behind Nabeshin and Koshi-san. Now, Nabeshin is fairly distinctive but to make sure, I haltingly used my (rusty) spoken Japanese.
I hadn’t spoken Japanese in five years. Kid you not. I specialize in written translation.
So this was me:
“Um, excuse me for bothering you… but are you a guest here at Anime Boston?”
Nabeshin: “Why, yes. I’m one of the guests from Japan.”
“I’m a panelist here, it’s good to meet you…”
Koshi: “Ah, so you speak a little Japanese?”
“…a little, yes.”
“Good, because I only speak a little English!”
As nervous as I was, I still made myself understood and the chat went well, which I took as the theme for the convention in general. Even though I thought several things would be more difficult – getting around Boston, public transit, hotels, my panels, making sure people ate – it was AWESOME.
I said hello to Ben Applegate from Kodansha USA, bought a wonderful wig from Arda’s Wigs, and loved the Artists’ Alley.
In terms of panels:
- Kitsune and Tanuki, Tricksters in Japanese Lore: Revisions needed: I ended the presentation part within 25 minutes. However, half of the panel attendees stayed, so huzzah! And Charles helped at the end.
- Butterflies and Hurricanes: Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and Japanese Lore: Charles and I literally did this from our notes and it was BRILLIANT and I can’t wait to present this again.
Looking forward to visiting again, whether it be for a con or just a general Boston visit.
There will be more later: I’m trying to get pictures, as I didn’t take any photos during the convention itself, and I will link a pending podcast here also.