It is time for Nan Desu Kan (NDK), a play on words on the Japanese phrase nan desu ka (what is this?). NDK is the premier anime convention of the Rockies. It is the largest anime con in Colorado. It last 3 days, lately around the second weekend of September (but has been held in other months). NDK has a year round presence taking part in festivals (like this year's Dragon boat festival), New Years Parties, and fund raising to name a few.
I have participated in conventions for a number of years. Of the conventions in Colorado I most enjoy Nan Desu Kan. I say this with some reservation. So here is a breakdown of the main Pro's and Con's of NDK.
CON: is prominently orientated towards teens (these days). It has nowhere near the 21 plus crowd that Starfest (locally) or Anime Expo (California) has.
PRO: However the fans are doing a lot to make a strong 21 and up scene.
CON: Costuming is more restrictive at NDK then other Conventions. A number of loopholes are exploited frequently. Example: No signs, no appearance of nudity, no tentacles.
PRO: Kid safe environment for people with families. As long as parents express discretion in video rooms.
CON: Older anime series are dying out without much representation. This is a tragedy! Some old school anime's are staples of the Industry. Astro Boy, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Battleship Yamato, Akira, Vampire Hunter D, Those Pesky Aliens, Dirty Pair, Dominion Tank Police are all amazing shows. Look them up sometime. It's a travesty of American Anime Culture that people don't know who Leji Mastumoto is.
PRO: Current industry personalities are becoming more active with NDK. I love this, it's great to see the industry supporting Denver. This year features a large variety great people, check out the guests here http://ndkdenver.org/guests.
I am looking to take part in the NDK Costume contest, the art shows and the shopping.
This is my costume from last year.
This is my costume for this year (still finishing it up).
For those who have no idea who I am dressed ass watch this. https://neoshinka.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/captain-harlock-2012-movie-trailer/
What I am looking forward to Seeing:
Jamie Marchi for no better reason then she is a hot redhead. But on a serious note, she did the voice of Masane Amaha (Whitchblade), Meg (Burst Angel) and Miss Valentine (One Piece). her role on One Piece is why I will be seeking Jamie's autograph for my pirate collection.
Few people get to have a long career in television, anime, movies, and music. Ryusei Nakao is a skilled and lucky man for doing just that. He has so much under his belt if you don't know his name look it up. For the DBZ crowd he did Frieza and Cooler, for Bleach he did Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and the list goes on.
Another Bleach voice actor is Stephanie Sheh she will be making her first apperence at NDK, she voice Orhime. She also has Voiced Eureka in Eureka 7,, and Hinata in Naruto.
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn did the voice for Major Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell Innocence, and Stand Alone Complex. And Cornelia in Code Geas whis is pretty cool. She Directs for the Disney Channel where she has directed 4 Naruto movies.
Regardless of your anime political views of rewriting a show for an American audience. I am happy to see Steve Yun and Tommy Yune who currently run the Robotech title will be return. Which is cool for people who remember Harmony Gold brought this industry to America. Admittedly I am a big fan of their current works, and I can't wait until I see the teasers for the new Shadow Chronicles movie.
Anyway I hope you enjoyed this post and I promise to have more pictures of NDK 2011 mid September.
