Sakura-Con 2012

Sakura-Con Opening Ceremony

The excitement was permeable as Sakura-Con opened its main stage doors to priority seating and press at 9:45 a.m. before allowing the long line of general attendees into the stage area.

The celebration opened with a video presentation featuring a Sakura-Con vocaloid singing against a backdrop of past con footage. Fans cheered excitedly as con guests Stereopony, Kanon Wakeshima, and moi dix Mois flashed on screen.

Christopher Louck, chariman of Sakura-Con greeted guests to discuss preparation for the convention's 15th anniversary before welcoming Consul General Kiyokazu Ota.

Ota entered the stage in a samurai helmet and a hapi jacket, his 'Fighting Spirit hat' followed by performers in masks carrying a giant koi. The consul explained that Japan is rising again, just like the strong koi fish that swims upstream. He then changed his helmet to a plush One Piece mascot hat to cheers and laughter from the crowd.

Seattle Wushu Center performed next with an impressive acrobatic martial arts performance.

American guests Clarine Harp, Jamie Marchi, Steve Blum, Johnathan Klein and Reuban Langdon came on stage for introductions. Several guests also brought items for Sakura-Con's charity auction for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Japanese guests came on stage next. Voice actor Masakazu Morita revved up the audience with cheers of “Bankai!” before passing the microphone down to Gen Urobuchi, Yutaka Minowa, h.NAOTO, Stereopony, Kanon Wakeshima, and moi dix Mois for introductions.

Entires for Sakura-Con's commercial contest was announced next but was delayed due to technical difficulties. Chairman Louck came out and got the audience standing with 'banzai!' cheers until issues were resolved.

Chairman Louck then discussed the silent auction and charity fund to provide relief for those affected by Japan's March 11 Tsunami. So far, Sakura-Con has raised $90,000 in relief.

The ceremony closed with a thank you announcement for sponsors.