The passing of a great master

I know many anime fans already know about Satoshi Kon passing away on tuesday (August 24, 2010). There are many fans who are new to anime and don't quite understand why Mr. Kon was so important to the animation industry. Like many great animation directors, Osamu Tezuka and Hayao Miyazaki come to mind, Mr. Kon was a great story teller. With his use of the pen he wrote so many memorable characters. As an animator this is quite difficult to maintain good stories. Mr. Kon and other members of Madhouse thrived in making top quality animation.

I remember meeting Mr. Kon back in 2006. I was living in Tokyo at the time. I was waiting to watch a screening of Mr. Kon's film, "Paprika." The theater was located in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex. It was a small theater, but it was very well maintained. I caught the afternoon show. There weren't that many people in the theater. I sat down in the lobby with a few other fans and chatted with one or two of them. As I was waiting I noticed a man in a suit, glasses, and a long ponytail. It took me a few seconds to know who that person was. I stood up, smiled and bowed to him. I think he smiled too, but I don't remember. He asked one of his assistants to bring a few movie fliers to him. He took out a pen and signed all of the copies and gave it to us. I smile and bowed again. He then disappeared, like a magician. I later heard that Mr. Kon was in Shinjuku for a larger premiere. I guess he was passing buy. I was still happy to see him. I saw him again in 2008 at Tokyo International Anime Fair. I bowed to him when he walked by. I think he waved back to me.

I am sure you will probably hear similar stories like the one I said above. Being in animation production is very difficult and time consuming. If you love it, then by all means go for it. But just be warned you might be in more than you bargained for. That is one of the underlying messages Mr. Kon sometimes shows in his films. Just be humble and you will go far.

He will be sorely missed.

Animicon Soho

First off I wanted to thank the staff and volunteers at animinicon Soho for organizing a great mini con. I am honored to be considered a guest. Organizing a first time con is always hard, but at least you guys know what to do next year. Congrats and I hope to come to your con next year.