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To sign your soul over to the attendees, click here. ^_^Panel (noun) - An event, usually run by attendees, for attendees, that tends to be either incredibly informative, or down right crazy. Everyone has a good time though. ;)
Current Panel List
A Male Perspective on Yaoi (18+)Not your average yaoi panel, but still fun for all! It's well-established that yaoi fans are mainly female. But what about the few, the proud, the male fans? Join a veteran yaoi fan as he discusses what male yaoi fans think about fanfiction, pairings, and more. (This includes discussions of what really works and doesn't when writing that big lemon scene...) Fans of all genders welcome!
ADR and Voice Over Acting
The actors talk about the ins and outs of the voice acting business, especially ADR, Automated Dialogue Replacement, a fancy term for dubbing English into foreign films and cartoons. Question and answer will follow.
Anime Pyramid Tryouts
Your journey to climb the ¥100,000 Anime Pyramid starts here. You must attend tryouts to be considered as a contestant. We're looking for cheerful folks who can communicate very well and are quick thinkers. Think you have what it takes? Play a sample round and show us what you've got!
Anthropology of Anime
A look into anime and it's fanculture through all the fields of Anthropology. Come out and learn the academics of your favorite form of spending money.
Art for Hire - A Guide to Freelancing
Ever wonder how those glamorous illustrators do their thing? Are you hoping to make your Artist Alley experience the best it can be? Come to the Art For Hire panel, and learn about the ups and downs of freelance, commission, and convention work. We'll share congoing tips, super-duper exciting info about invoices and contracts, helpful hints for building your portfolio, and other epic tales of joy and woe presented in iambic pentameter. You, too, can earn tens of dollars making artwork on commission!
Artes, Fonons, and Hymms: A Tales Of Panel
Ever played any of the "Tales of" games by Namco? Now come and join us as we discuss the past and future of the series. We will mostly focus on Tales of the Abyss and Tales of Symphonia, but we'll cover the others as well.
Axiom: Birth of a Gaming System
AXIOM is AJP's first venture into Table Top/Live Action Role Play Gaming. Stop by for an insiders look at just what goes into the development of a tabletop/live action role playing system. See the revisions, the headaches, and hear the funny stories about just how easy it is to break the GM...and what he does when he happens to be the owner of the company you work for.
Axiom: The Premiere!
Axiom, Archaic Jump's long awaited tabletop and live-action role playing debut, makes its worldwide premier at Matsuricon! Join Chaze in exciting adventures on all three days of the con.
Being in a Japanese Death Metal Band
Ever heard of death metal? How about Japanese Death Metal? Either way, come listen to Jeremy Mauney as he gives you the history on Extreme Japanese Music and his experience as the vocalist for a Japanese Death Metal Band.
BJD 101: For Beginners
An explination on Asian Ball Jointed dolls, their clothing, faceups, modifications, companiens and how to get them.
Cosplay Feedback Session
Our Cosplay Coordinator and Judges hold an interactive forum to field praise, concerns, and questions about Matsuricon's Cosplay event.
Cosplay Pajama Party
Bring your slippers, pillows, pjs and a pillow or two. That's right, it's a Cosplay Pajama Party. We will be playing a lot of games, ice breakers and just have a good old time in our pajamas. So come and have some fun with us!
Creative Writing
Creating characters and worlds one word at a time. It looks easy to do, and with the help of our resident wordsmiths, you can pick up some pointers for your next story.
Dancing 101
Want to know what NOT to do at the rave?! A fun dance panel where you can share experiences, learn dance moves, and just enjoy yourselves! Ran by dance choreographer Ryzen Xia, from Chicago, Illinois.
Death Note and Apple Pies
Come, one and all, to the friendly and fun panel, Death Note n' Apple pies. Where we discuss what characters we like, what we don't, show off our death note cosplays, and the concept of a continuation of the storyline. Apple pies shall be supplied.
Death Note Mafia
Death Note characters take the main roles of this anime-themed interpretation of the popular party game where you must work with a team who could turn against you at any time. For each round, the randomly selected Kira anonymously removes a player, then all remaining players deliberate who should be sacrificed in the hopes of eliminating Kira. The rules will be explained, so prior knowledge of the game and the series is not required. Can the investigators defeat Kira without falling prey to the Death Note?
Did You Hear That? An Asian Horror Panel (18+)
Discuss the different types of J-Horror, and why it's different from American Horror. Watch some clips and enjoy some games!
Disgruntled Naruto Fans Unite!
When is a ninja not a ninja? When he's Naruto! Listen to the ranting's of one of Naruto's most disgruntled fans.
Do You Believe in Fairies: A Wing Tutorial
Do you believe in Fairies? Ever dream of flying? Well get yourself one step closer by learning to make your own set of wings. Whether you want fairy, angel, demon, or other you can learn how it's all done. Straight from the Zombie capital of the world, Pittsburg's self proclaimed "Fairy Princess" Satalia. Learn the tricks of the trade on how to build your own pair of beautiful wings for either your next con or simply to wear every day. Your once upon a time is now.
Evolution of Gaming (13+)
Video Gaming of the ages, the way it was and the predictions for the future. Come for the humor, stay for the information, and open discussion.
Exorcists, Earls, and Empty Cups of Coffee (13+)
Exorcism may be a relatively common subject,but no series has ever tackled it like D.Gray-man has! Bring your pink rabbit and coffee cups as we discuss characters, subplots, motives and underlyingthemes of this complex shounen series.
Fullmetal Alchemist (13+)
FMA from a different perspective. Sure we'll cover the usual, but expect this one to change a few of your views on the topic.
Gamer Girls: Not Just a Pretty Face
If you're hoping to sit around and talk about who's hotter, Lara Croft or Zero Suit Samus, this isn't the panel for you. Learn more about the women in and around some of your favorite video games. Learn about some fo the impacts that Women have had in the gaming industry. Everything from female programmers, voice actors, models for characters and maybe just a bit of talk about who's hotter than who.
Glomping 201 (13+)
Glomping, the passion, the crime, the lesson. Now with 30 glomps, safety, style and plenty of stories.
Guide to Otaku Dating (13+)
An intelligent look at the habits and preferences of otakus in the real world of dating. Breaking down basic traits of human nature into a questionaire in order to better the dating situations for otaku everywhere.
Hana Yori Dango Live Action Fan Panel
Come and join us for an overview about all the live action versions of Hana Yori Dango aka Boys Over Flowers. We will be covering how close and different the Japanese, Taiwanese and the newer Korean live action drama and movie versions are to the manga.
History/Basics of Lolita: Building Your Wardrobe (13+)
Explain the origins of Lolita style and how it's changed and evolved. We will give advice and links to places of affordable lolita clothing and hot to start your own personal style and save money.
How Anime Paid For My College
How to DJ
Since we know you won't have time to watch them on Saturday night, join our DJs as they teach you how it's done. From beatmatching on vinyl to working with digital decks, we'll cover all the basics.
How to Mod Your XBox
What will $60 get you in this day and age? With some elbow grease and know how, it will get you a networked media center PC that can play all of the ROMs and media content you'd like. Sit in and learn the ease of turning an old XBox into a functional media PC.
Improvisation Workshop
If you've ever watched "Whose Line Is It Anyway" and wondered if you could do that, come join Tristan MacAvery's workshop to find out. Taking exercises and class techniques from his book "The Improvisation Playbook", Tristan will bring audience members up to play in scenes and games, showing you how "improvisation is telling the truth without a script." Come learn from the guy that even George "Space Ghost" Lowe said is "a complete nut." (Hey, he should know...)
Inuyasha Panel
Come discuss the current happenings of Inuyasha and dish about your favorite bishounen and bishoujo from the anime/manga. Open discussion and debates welcome from the audience! Prepare for new announcements regarding the anime!
It's The End of the World As You Know It: An X/1999 Fanpanel (10+)
What do broken glass, feathers, and buckets of sakura petals have in common? The answer is the apocalypse according to CLAMP, starting in Tokyo Babylon and carrying on over into X/1999. AWOL presents a review of both series with character information, plot analysis and plenty of jokes.
Japanese Folklore
I'll give you an introduction into folklore in Japan and show you how you can find folklore in any anime.
Kaiju: Japan's Giant Monsters
Did you ever watch giant monsters ravage Tokyo as a child on TV? Jeremy Mauney certainly did and since then they have never left his brain. Come talk to Jeremy as he reveals the history and passion surrounding Japanese Giant Monster films and toys.
Kawaii Desu Yo!: Lolita and Decora
A panel on the Lolita and the Decora Fashions in Harajuku.
Let's Play Sonic 3 & Knuckles!
Based off the Something Awful sub-forum of the same name, we'll be going through the game, which many consider to be the best of the classic 16-bit Sonic games. We'll add running commentary and discussions about the game, and what makes it so amazing. Includes abbreviated playthrough, plus hilarious exploitations of the mysterious Debug Mode!
Life Drawing with EK
Life drawing is the foundation for comic and anime art. Get back to your roots at this short session, designed to warm up your drawing hand. We'll go through a short series of gestures and build up to a 20 minute pose.
Life in Japan & How to Succeed in the Japanese Entertainment Industry
America's very first ever Japanese manga assistant talks about what it was like to work as an assistant illustrator for one of Japan's most famed manga artist, as well as what it was like to live in Tokyo for 3 years. Don't miss this one, because Jeremy will also talk about how it's possible to break into the Japanese entertainment industry!!!
Look, Ma! It's an Anime Convention!
Not your typical panel... once upon a time we were all convention newbies, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Even more so if you're here for your first time with your parents. This is a panel specifically designed for that demographic. Fans, Families, and Fathers (Mom's are okay too) are welcome to be entertained by the AJP team as they attempt to assuage the fears that might be running through the backs of some parent's minds about the evils that is Anime, Manga, and Video Games.
Lord Zedd, Life with the Power Rangers
Robert Axelrod talks about his years voicing Lord Zedd and Finster on The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Question and answer period will follow.
Naoko Takeuchi Fan Panel
Takeuchi Naoko or Takeuchi-sensei, what most fans call her, is best known for Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon, but what over works has Naoko come up with? Come join us for an overview and discussions about her other work and how successfully were they to her most famous Sailor Moon series.
Naruto: Ramen or Hugs
Attention Narutards, come interact in the fun filled ramen flavored panel (please refrain from tasting). Discuss pairings, fluff, and plot lines, as well as watch Naruto act like a dobe. Free Ramen and Hugs provided Believe It!
No Need for Bushido & White Noise
A discussion on the Internet's most popular Webcomic about Feudal Japan, and the post apocalyptic world of White Noise.
No! Stop! It Feels Good! - A Hentai Panel (18+)
Do those words sound familiar? However you swing (pun completely intended) we'd love to have you join us. We promise there will be no attempt to take soap to your brains...this is one panel where dirt is appreciated.
Otaku Rants (16+)
The rants of many, spewing from the mouth of one, come with your otaku based subject, and just sit back and enjoy what comes next. Audience participation is welcome and enjoyed.
Para Para in the Newest Century
A panel focusing on the style, how-to and history of Para Para. I will be teaching a short lessong on a song from one of the games. All are welcome!
Photoshop Pointers
Digital coloring tips and tricks. Come in and see everything you ever wanted to know about Adobe Photoshop and then some!.
Photoshop 101
Intimidated by the sheer number of options in Adobe Photoshop? Fear no more! Illustrator Tori Brenneison is here to explain your troubles away and guide you through the creation of anime artwork--step by step!
Pierce the Convention with your Fan Panel: A Gurren Lagann Panel
With interactive games, information, trivia and much much more, come to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann, the newest and biggest thing to hit anime world-wide. We will discuss characters, art forms, themes, rumors of the 4 new movies, terminology, and other important things every fan needs to know about.
Playing the Villain
Tristan MacAvery borrows a line from the legendary Vincent Price when he says, "I ought to know about villains: I've played enough of them!" The original "voice of evil" from ADV Films talks about the differences in playing the fiend rather than the hero. From Vector ("Battle Angel") to Gendo ("Neon Genesis Evangelion"), Tristan will tell the ins and outs, the background, and the way to make evil even more fun to play than the good guys.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Fan Panel
Come and join us as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, known as "PGSM" for short; Toei's Live-Action Sailor Moon Series and share our love for Sailor Moon as a series that began as a manga and expanded into an anime, musical and finally a live action series similar to those that inspired the creator! If you don't attend in the name of the moon you will be punished!
Q&A With Robert Axelrod
Robert Axelrod talks about his vast acting career both on-camera and as a voice over artist and fields questions from the audience.
Robert (LORD ZEDD) Axelrod, Autograph Signing
The voice of Lord Zedd, Robert Axelrod, is giving autographs throughout the weekend. He is also selling his lithographs for $10, which are suitable for framing! No worries, he'll sign any of your other collectables as well!
Sketch Jam
Join your fellow artists as we go to town on one big fat ream of paper! At the Sketch Jam you can just chill and do whatever and totally relax. Take it easy, draw, and have fun.
So I Herd You Liek Mudkips? (18+)
Yeah... we're sick, we know it. The difference is, we embrace the darkness that is the underside of the Internet. AJP takes you on a tour-de-force of the subculture that is the Internet. Through the dank and dark pits of Illegal Warez, the horrible bordello known as 4Chan, and various other naughty things that ought better be left alone... but we're human, we wanna know anyway. The only question is, do you have the intestinal fortitude to survive? Oh... and I herd you liek Mudkips?
Sometime it Snows in April: A Boogiepop Phantom Panel (16+)
Discuss the mysteries of Boogiepop Phantom. We'll talk about the story you don't get just from the anime series.
Stop Being Lazy - Play DDR!
Discussion about dancing games as a whole, personal experiences, and answering any questions! For both new or pro/experienced players! Ran by professional and international competitor and winner, Ryzen Xia.
Super Sentai Tamashii!!
A look into the world of Tokusatsu and focusing on Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. We'll discuss a brief history and then have an open discussion. All are welcome!
Super Smash Bros. Brawl 101
Do you like to play Brawl? This is the panel for you! A discussion on beginners' tips, and an open discussion for opinions on the game itself!
Super Smash Bros. Brawl ADVANCED
A Smash Bros. Brawl panel for Advanced Techniques (AT) and experienced gameplay! Will have an open discussion and opinion on the game, and will go over glitches, tournament rules/standards, and in depth characteristics of all characters.
The Director's Cut
Tristan MacAvery says that this is "My 'defending your life' panel, showing clips of subtitled works, followed by the same clips, dubbed. It's an explanation of what went through my head when I was working on these things."
The Inuyashapoet Show (13+)
Come enjoy a late night talk show with a man who has seen it all, done it all, and worked it all. Everything is free game in this panel. All are welcome… as long as you love to laugh.
The Panel of Haruhi Suzumiya
A discussion Panel about everything Haruhi! A chance to get together and talk about the Anime, Manga, and novels. An open discussion for everyone!
Voice Acting Workshop
After discussing a few ins-and-outs of the industry at large, Tristan will then ask for volunteers to come up and try their hand (or voice) at "cold readings." Always supportive, always encouraging; a little experience at what it's like to get an audition and how to do your best at it.
Webcomics 101
So, you want to start a Webcomic? Our Webcomic veterans show you the best ways to become a webcomic artist while avoiding many of the traditional "newbie" mistakes.
Webcomics Advanced
Already have a webcomic, but want more readers? They don't just fall into your lap. Our Guests help explain advertising, merchandising, printing, and managing your Webcomic.
Writing Workshop
Q&A on any aspects of writing, whether fan-fic or scripts, short works or long, anything at all. Discussion of methods of publication, what to expect, and so forth.
Yakuza: A History of Honorable Crime
A look in the one of the olderst and most mysterious forms of organized crime in the world. We will look into the past present of the Yakuza, from history books to military records to anime and movies
Yuri: Doing It The Right Way (18+)
An 18+ overview of yuri, including a brief history, media clips and pictures, as well as a short discussion of different types of anime and manga that focus on shoujo-ai and yuri, along with some recommendations for some good materials, and a little extra bit of fun!