The Reception

Friday's big event was the Meet the Guests Reception, and most of the guests turned out for this event. Many of the Japanese guests went unnoticed for much of the event, clustering in small groups with the few fans and staff members who could converse in Japanese. This is not to say that they were unapproachable, of course, but just that they seemed a little more hesitant to engage the attendees in conversation.

Fans mingle with the guests at the reception. Left: At the front table is Mr. Moriyama. The second table back consists of Scott Frazier, Sonoda Kenichi, and Kotobuki Tsukasa and his friends. Right: Scott Frazier and Sonoda Kenichi talk with fans and compare notes.

However, the American guests seemed to shine at this point, interacting with the fans and answering questions. They seemed to truly enjoy talking to the attendees about what it is like to be a voice actor in the American animation industry. And of course, everyone was talking about POKÉMON at some point.

Masquerade

Saturday's Masquerade was the biggest event of the convention, and featured some rather unique costumes, including Sailor Bubba and a Giant Pen Pen. Although the event got off to a late start, the fans were appreciative and patient as they waited both for the masquerade to start and for the judges to tally up their scores to determine the winners.

Top left to right: Miaka struts her stuff. PenPen from EVANGELION. Hsien-ko in action. Bottom left to right: Milfey-Yu from THE SORCEROR HUNTERS, and Berg Katze from GATCHAMAN. PenPen, the grand prize winner, got a little something "extra" from Amanda Winn-Lee.