Guest Writer: Cordelia LeFay
One of my students (Codename: Neko), invited me to a local "con." I say con, but it really more of an artist fair plus cosplayers.
The con was near Heian Shrine and as we walked up, Neko told me that all the Japanese people with rolling suitcases were "eventeers." (I taught her the word "con goer." )
It was only until later that I realize how convenient that really is---you see, summer in Kyoto is pretty unbearable. The unbearable combination of heat and humidity makes a vacation in Hell seem preferable! Anyway, if you are not carrying a backpack, you have no burden for your shoulders and no sweaty back!
When we arrived at the convention center, we got to skip to the front of the line because we were "circle members"---all of her friends there are artists, so for my very first time, I manning an artist table! Awesome!
There were several differences between this con and the Canadian and American conventions I’ve been to. For example, when I grabbed the con program, I was surprised to discover that I was supposed to pay for it! Then the cosplay. It cost me 500 Yen ($4.00) to wear my costume. We didn't do anything more than walk around in our costumes! Perhaps it helps pay for renting the room? You also couldn’t leave the room wearing your costume. Finally, at 2:45pm, all the cosplayers had to take off their costumes. Talk about doing things as a group!
I decided to cosplay as School Girl Miaka from Fushigi Yugi. I headed off to change and I was a little surprised at the changing area. It was just a blocked off area of the room where everyone changed out in the open. Normally I wouldn't be so shy, but I had no idea if there were guys in the room too. Regardless, there were definitely several girls cross-playing as boys! When I got back to the table, Neko’s artist friend, (Codename: Shin) totally swooned when I appeared. She said that it made her want to cosplay Tamahome!
I also met two other artist friends (Codenames: Kanan and Aruku). Kanan's real name is Yoko Ono; I kid you not! She said that it's a common name. Aruku was also very cute--she had short black hair, wore glasses, a blue frilly shirt with a pretty, but clashing pink necklace. She had a big white hat too; she reminded me of Ami from Sailormoon (Kanan seemed very Makoto-esque, while Shin reminded me of Haruka). A common thing to do is to ask the artists for free pictures—it helps them “practice” apparently. You have to say, “Sukebu onegaishimasu!” to receive a picture. Aruku drew me an anime version of Harry Potter, Kanan drew Soi Fong from Bleach and Shin drew me a picture of School Girl Miaka!
At this con, you could only take pictures of cosplayers in the cosplay picture taking area; apparently this was to ward of creepy men. Besides Neko and Shin, only one other person to ask for my picture. Although I didn't mind, I knew people would be too shy to ask me. However, I can assure you *everyone* in that room noticed me! I could hear their "Miaka desu....kawaii" whispers!
Anyway, the “other person” who took my picture was an older gentleman. He came up to the art table, all tickled pink to see me. He was all, "Pretty....more beautiful than the picture." I said, "Thank you." He handed us a slip of paper, and I asked Neko what it was. She started to explain, "It's a name card...he's a little...." but before she finished, I interrupted her with, "Kimoi??" (Creepy). She laughed at that. He came back again later, asking for my picture which I agreed to. He was nice and polite, so I wasn't worried that he would kidnap me later.
Surprisingly, some of the Japanese people at the con didn't know who I was cosplaying—well, they had to think about it. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising, Fushigi Yugi *is* over 10 years old. However, it did make me think about how certain anime is much more popular in the states and how fleeting the anime industry is. For example, most people were cosplaying from Gundam Seed. However, I *did* see a Sailor Uranus cosplayer, but sadly, she disappeared before I could take a picture of her!
After the con, we all went to a nearby cafe to have some food; Neko and I had green tea soft serve ice cream. During which, Shin asked me what anime I recommend---I asked, "American or Japanese." She said Japanese! I suppose this is a fair question, there is a lot of anime out there! Neko is always surprised at the anime I know---although I'm not sure if this is "OMG You can use chopsticks!!!!" amazement or genuine amazement. After we finished, I bid them farewell along the Kamogawa (the Kamo River) where I sat writing some letters on my new beautiful stationary!
Con Damage:
5 AWESOME packets of stationary
1 double piercing with chain earring with crosses
1 Kotsubu Panda bookmark
3 postcards
1 card holder made with traditional patterned cloth
