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Anime Boston 2017 Opening Ceremonies Recap

Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, and Naruto: What do these anime have in common? They’re all 10 years old this year. As Anime Boston celebrates this year’s theme, “Retro,” it kicked off by making its attendees feel very, very old.

As a major snowfall began to blanket the Hynes convention center, Anime Boston 2017 started off with a bang. True to this year’s theme, attendees to the Opening Ceremonies were serenaded with the opening themes from Visions of Escaflowne, Trigun, and Ranma ½.

Due to Anime Boston mascots A-chan and B-kun’s time travel mix-up, attendees were treated to greetings from all the con chairs and vice chairs who have served throughout the years, ever since the first Anime Boston in 2003—all of whom remain on staff. Finally, our 2017 convention chairs, Victor Lee and Lauren Gallo, took the stage, wearing 15-year-service pins that indicate that they’ve been on staff at Anime Boston since its very first year.

“The seeds of Anime Boston were planted in 2001,” Lee explained. “That’s how old it is.”

Lee recounted the very first Anime Boston, held at the Park Plaza Hotel in 2003. Even in its first year, Anime Boston broke attendance records, and the fire marshal ended up having to cap attendence at 4,000—a completely unexpected turnout.

Next, we met each of Anime Boston’s special guests, who each brought their own personality and flair to the Opening Ceremonies. Check them out after the jump:

OKAMOTO’s, which has played anime openings for Gintama, Durarara, and Naruto. They’ll be performing at 4 PM on Saturday, April 1.

Puffy Amiyumi, which is performing tonight at 7 PM (seating begins at 6 PM) took the stage in sweatshirts, tulle, and cowboy boots.

Lisa Ortiz, who voiced Deedlit in Records of the Lodoss War and Lina Inverse in The Slayers in English. “I’m thankful for the snow, let’s try and keep each other warm inside today,” she said.

Tohru Furuya, who voiced Amuro Ray from Gundam and Tuxedo Mask. “Not even my father hit me!” he said, hamming it up with his famous line for the crowd. He invited everyone to his autograph session, saying, “Hugs and kisses are all OK.”

Brina Palencia, who voiced Ciel Phantomhive in Black Butler and Tony Tony Chopper in One Piece, among others. “Anime Boston was actually my very first convention ever so it holds a very special place in my heart,” she said. This is her third time attending.

Hirokatsu Kihara, who served on production desk at Studio Ghibli for Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, and others. “This year is the 30th anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro,” he reminded attendees. He noted that never-before-seen art from My Neighbor Totoro at his panel later today. “If you are a Totoro fan and you miss it, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

Johnny Yong Bosch, who played Jonathan Joestar in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Artemis in Sailor Moon, and Ichigo in Bleach, was carted out while surfing on a wheeled platform. “I’m totally down to earth you guys,” he assured the audience.

Masahiko Minami, the co-founder of Studio Bones, which is known for Ouran High School Host Club, Space Dandy, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Soul Eater, Mob Psycho 100, and My Hero Academia.

Sandy Fox, who voiced Sumomo from Chobits, and Chibiusa from Sailor Moon Crystal. This is her first time at Anime Boston, or in Boston at all!

Shingo Natsume, the animation director for Space Dandy, ACCA, and One Punch Man. “I’m really, really excited to be here, and looking forward to having a good time,” he said, with the help of a staff translator.

Greg Ayres, who voiced Kaoru in Ouran High School Host Club and Nagisa in Free! “So glad to be at Anime Boston, which is, not a secret, one of my favorite shows of the year and y’all keep getting bigger and wilder,” he said.

Naokatsu Tsuda, director of Inu x Boku, Planetarian, and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. “I woke up early this morning and took a walk around town,” he said. “I was really impressed because I got to see some of you walking around, too.”

Bryson Baugus who voiced Kou in Diabolik Lovers II: More, Blood and Bell in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? “This is my first convention appearance ever, so I’m super excited to be here!”

Wakana Okamura, the producer for Psycho-Pass, Haikyu!! and My Hero Academia.

Kyle Colby Jones, the ADR director on Akame Ga Kill, Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun, and Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Tonight at 5 PM, he’ll host a panel to answer the age-old question, “Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon?”

Robbie Daymond, who voiced Gaelio in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon Crystal, and Mumen Rider in One Punch Man, isn’t here yet but recorded a video filmed in a studio chock full of Funko Pops.

Cherami Leigh, who voiced Lucy in Fairy Tail, Asuna in Sword Art Online, and Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon. “Ten years ago, 2007, this was my very first convention ever, where we premiered my very first show, Peach Girl.”

Lex Lang, who voiced Kenshiro in First of the North Star and Goemon in Lupin the Third, left a video message while he is en route to Boston.

Chris Sabat, who voiced All Might in My Hero Academia and Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z. “This stage is so big I feel like I should be introducing a new Apple product… the new iAnime,” he joked.

Michelle Ruff, who portrayed Rukia in Bleach, Luna in Sailor Moon Crystal, and Sinon in Sword Art Online.

Roland Kelts, the author of Japanamerica. He will be giving panels about Osamu Tezuka and other early anime directors. Talk about retro!\

Patrick Seitz, who voiced Keith Shadis in Attack on Titan, Dio Brando in Jojo’s, and other notable anime tough guys.

LeSean Thomas, who did storyboarding for The Legend of Korra, was creative producer for Black Dynamite, and writer, director and producer of Cannon Busters. “This is my first time in Boston, at Anime Boston, and that’s dope,” he shared.

“We have so many guests and activities this year, and it’s all thanks to you showing up and supporting us for 15 years,” said Vice-Chair Lauren Gallo.

“Welcome home to Anime Boston,” said Con-Chair Victor. We can’t do this without you.”

—Lauren, AB Staff Blogger

#anime #anime boston #anime boston 2017 #ab2017 #opening ceremonies

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