@nataku00, Coral
I didn't find Keiko to be shy at all, but rather the most outgoing and energetic. I think Hikaru is the more shy, as she often speaks less and in a lower voice. Wakana has this sort of "dignified" vibe on her—it's hard to explain =)
Anyways, on to part 2!
It was hard to sleep Friday night. I still had the adrenaline rush from the concert and autograph session, and my ears were buzzing until the following morning. I didn't really mind, it really was worth it! XD
Saturday Panel
I joined the line for the panel pretty early, and was about the fifth person in line. I spend most of the time talking to a father and son attending the convention together; it was pretty cool seeing them share a common interest. I also bumped into SenXXI and his friends, but unfortunately we were in different sections of the line and could not talk for very long.
One of the persons staffing the panel was cosplaying Kyoko from Madoka. I think she was also helping out last Otakon, so she might work for Aniplex. She was wearing a fang prop which was a nice touch.
The panel room was pretty big and the stage was high, so I think everyone got a nice view of Kalafina. Like previous Kalafina panels, it was run by Aniplex and more restricted than most other panels: no recording, and no photos except for press. For comparison, Yuu Asakawa and Yukino's panel were the complete opposite, and even beer was given! (Note: this is an observation rather than a critique).
Format:
* PV video footage.
* QA with Kalafina with pre-selected questions, and the occasional PV footage and Aniplex plug.
* "Exclusive" look at Yume no Daichi PV. This was relevant for later on.
* QA with attendees.
* Quiz contest.
From left to right, it was Hikaru, Keiko, Wakana, and the translator. Hikaru and Keiko shared a mic, while Wakana and the translator shared the other. It was funny watching Hikaru and Keiko interact during the panel, sometimes like mischievous girls.
The microphones had stands. When Wakana was answering the first Aniplex question, Hikaru and Keiko decided they didn't want their stand, so started to mess with their mic. Suddenly there is feedback, and Hikaru and Keiko have this "I didn't do it!" face while putting the mic stand under the table. I don't think many people in my section were paying attention to the question ^^;;
I asked the first question in the audience Q&A. I mentioned how they have a new look for each new release, and how well it matches the song's feel. So how do they do it? Wakana answered they put a lot of effort making sure the music and visuals fit together. Other posters reported on other questions.
For the quiz contest, they were giving out autographed t-shirts of their lives. The Aniplex guy would ask the question and a Kalafina member would pick who to answer. One shirt was of Magia live and another for 5th anniversary live, which went to a Stocking cosplayer who lost her voice when picked to answer the question ^^;; One question was which is the first PV shown in the panel (Magia). Another question was how many times they have performed in the US (three).
I got a dark brown Consolation live shirt, answering what is the theme song of fate/zero (To The Beginning). It almost cost me the flash falling off my camera setup, but it was enough to get Wakana's attention, so I guess it was worth the risk ^^;;
The last question was which is the featured single of their latest album (Yume no Daichi). Several people missed the question, prompting some funny reactions from the girls. Keiko raising from the tables looking for the next person to answer was pretty cute.
Autograph 2
Originally my intention was to get a shikishi/calligraphy board autographed, but instead opted for a copy of the After Eden book they were selling in the booth. I'll probably regret this later on as I collect autographed shikishis, but the book is really nice.
As she was autographing the book, I presented Keiko with a print of fan art I commissioned. She really liked it, and showed it to the other two and thanked me. The original is watercolor. I don't have art skills, but I worked closely with the artist, redoing several parts in the process. I'll post a picture when I have a chance.
Something to remember is that Kalafina autograph sessions are always very rushed. So Animexcel really did the smartest thing by presenting at the end of the session.
I wanted to stay longer for a second autograph (either the shikishi or To The Beginning poster), but I had to move on due to press duties :(
Raffle
One of my tickets was off by two numbers to win something. Oh well.
Other Convention Notes
Yuu Asakawa was a very good guest. She is very funny, friendly, and fluent enough in English, making panels more interactive and interesting (instead of relying on a translator). Her solo panel was real fun, while her second with two english voice actors was pretty informative.
Yukino was a big surprise. She has a great voice, and interacted a lot with attendees. I didn't go to her concert but her acoustic performance was amazing, like being in a lounge. If you haven't, I highly recommend checking out her music.
This was my second Anime Central. The convention has grown a lot since my first in 2005, but staffers have managed to keep the convention well organized. Kudos to them!
I am optimistic Kalafina will come again to the US. Kalafina and Yuki Kajiura have been tied to high-profile anime for a good while now, and Aniplex is putting a lot of muscle on promoting their titles. I hope to meet more CPM members when that happens! Once again, shootouts to SenXXI - see you again soon!
) I don't consider them darker than, say, Magnolia or Lacrimosa.
)
