Senshi-Con

Senshi-Con is an annual anime convention in Anchorage, Alaska. Founded in 2005, it was the first pioneering anime convention in Alaska. The name is a combination of the English word convention and the Japanese word senshi (戦士 in Japanese), meaning warrior. The convention is organized by the Alaska Association of Asian Cultural Learning.

Programming

Attendees may bring a fake prop weapon as long as it complements the costume; however, live steel weapons and any gun replicas (even toys) are not allowed. Besides a cosplay contest, there are video game competitions, anime screenings, karaoke, Cosplay Chess, and art displays. Notable persons from the world of Japanese comics and animation make an appearance and are available for autographs. Throughout the day, various contests, game shows, and skits take place on stage. While the Senshi-Con attendance levels are lower than those of the more popular conventions in other parts of North America, the staff points out that the lines at such convention are shorter, and the planning is more thorough.

History

The first Senshi-Con was held in 2005 at West High School in Anchorage, Alaska. It was founded and organized by now-voice actress Kira Buckland and the West High School Anime Club. As the convention staff graduated from high school, the convention was moved to the University of Alaska Anchorage.

It was announced on September 30, 2012 that Senshi-con would be changing venues to the Egan Center in downtown Anchorage.

Event history

Mascots

Unlike most anime conventions, Senshi-Con features three mascots. They are the rookie, Mirai; the talking puppy, Takeru; and the faceless ninja, Ken. From 2006 to 2010, the mascots were Kari; the cosplayer, Tammy; the gamer; and CJ; the artist. The characters and all artwork were created by Phillip Matias.

Mirai Aoyama

Mirai is usually carefree and often has her mind on the future. She’s optimistic and a rather clever little girl. She loves to seek out new things which led her to anime which now takes up most of her time. Manga feeds her appetite for reading. She loves to tease Takeru by calling him “Ban-Ban”.

Takeru Ban

Takeru is a talking Husky that can grow from a puppy to a full-grown dog and back again in an instant. He’s a feisty, brave little pup but a constant worrier. He’s also a bit pessimistic. He has an animosity towards strangers. His love for bacon is so great that it’s considered his ultimate weakness. Like Mirai, he’s a reading enthusiast. He does not like being called “Ban-Ban”. The name makes him feel small.

Ken

Ken is an easy-going, fun-loving kind-of guy. He acts like a fool and is reckless. In battle, he’s a master of deception. He’s considered lazy by his peers and is usually caught sleeping in the shade. When he’s not sleeping, he likes to do photography. During his journey to Alaska, he found a new hobby, model building, especially of the mech variety.

References

External links

• Senshi-Con official website
• Senshi-Con on Facebook
• Senshi-Con on Tumblr
• Senshi-Con MySpace page