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My first time -- going to an anime convention
14 years ago
Last weekend saw JapAniManga Night -- an anime convention about half an hour from my home. I don't really watch anime anymore, but I know some cosplayers, and some of the local furries were going there, so I decided to check it out. Plus, I figured that between all those cosplayers, a fursuit wouldn't look too out of place!
And, man, did I have a blast. I'm not sure what it is, but I've never been hugged, petted, and asked for photos as much as I was at that con! And (almost) all by pretty girls! Cosplayers, eat your hearts out! This doggy ruled!
I'm sure it had something to do with being the only fursuiter in the village too, but hey, I'm not complaining! I was really stoked that I as a non-cosplayer got such a warm welcome at this con.
Fursuiting aside, it's interesting to note the differences and similarities between an anime con and a furry con. The basic structure is pretty much the same -- you have a dealer's den, a main stage, workshop rooms, and a game room. The anime con also screened movies almost constantly, whereas furry cons tend to cater more towards costumers with the headless lounge (this anime con didn't even have changing space for costumers, people changed in the restrooms.)
Cosplays tend to be more wearable than fursuits, so you saw more cosplays at any given time than you'd see fursuits at a furry con. And the food -- this con had two kitchens going full blast all the time, doing okonomiyaki, ramen, curry and other Japanese dishes, plus a cafe serving coffee, tea and cake. I'm not going to slag the efforts of the Ringberg or the Maritim Magdeburg, but ... it just doesn't compare.
I only had two unfortunate encounters at this con: While fursuiting, I was twice asked to take my head off by other attendees, and when I declined I was physically assaulted (ie. my fursuit was socked on the nose.) I still don't quite understand the thought processes that could lead to such a reaction; thankfully my suit is sturdy and didn't take any damage. Still, I don't think this would have happened at a furry con. In this case I just walked away; I should probably have notified convention security. That sort of behaviour just doesn't stand.
I'll try to be back next year. I'll be back until the novelty of a fursuit wears off :-D
And, man, did I have a blast. I'm not sure what it is, but I've never been hugged, petted, and asked for photos as much as I was at that con! And (almost) all by pretty girls! Cosplayers, eat your hearts out! This doggy ruled!
I'm sure it had something to do with being the only fursuiter in the village too, but hey, I'm not complaining! I was really stoked that I as a non-cosplayer got such a warm welcome at this con.
Fursuiting aside, it's interesting to note the differences and similarities between an anime con and a furry con. The basic structure is pretty much the same -- you have a dealer's den, a main stage, workshop rooms, and a game room. The anime con also screened movies almost constantly, whereas furry cons tend to cater more towards costumers with the headless lounge (this anime con didn't even have changing space for costumers, people changed in the restrooms.)
Cosplays tend to be more wearable than fursuits, so you saw more cosplays at any given time than you'd see fursuits at a furry con. And the food -- this con had two kitchens going full blast all the time, doing okonomiyaki, ramen, curry and other Japanese dishes, plus a cafe serving coffee, tea and cake. I'm not going to slag the efforts of the Ringberg or the Maritim Magdeburg, but ... it just doesn't compare.
I only had two unfortunate encounters at this con: While fursuiting, I was twice asked to take my head off by other attendees, and when I declined I was physically assaulted (ie. my fursuit was socked on the nose.) I still don't quite understand the thought processes that could lead to such a reaction; thankfully my suit is sturdy and didn't take any damage. Still, I don't think this would have happened at a furry con. In this case I just walked away; I should probably have notified convention security. That sort of behaviour just doesn't stand.
I'll try to be back next year. I'll be back until the novelty of a fursuit wears off :-D
Also, cuddling a fursuiter sounds fun.