Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is one of GAINAX’s most popular and beloved franchises. A simple story about a boy named Simon and his quest to find his place in the universe with a healthy dose of giant robots, a cute mascot, over-the-top battles, and cute girls. Though originally a television series, GAINAX managed to release two movies: Childhood’s End and The Lights in the Sky are Stars, which are a retelling of the first fifteen episodes and last eleven episodes respectively. One of Gurren Lagann’s most beloved characters is known as Kamina, who serves as the mentor, inspiration, and big brother figure to Simon.
To kick off the premier of The Lights in the Sky are Stars, AX Guest of Honor Katsuyuki Konishi was invited to be the main judge of the Gurren Lagann cosplay contest. The contest itself was held in between showings of Childhood’s End and The Lights in the Sky are Stars as well as a Q&A session. Winners of the cosplay contest were split into two groups: (1) Other characters and (2) Kamina. Eventually Leeron and Kamina #2 were the grand winners while a Yoko, Simon and Kamina #1 also received prizes.
During the Q&A session, a good amount of information was dispensed by Mr. Konishi:
- When told he was auditioning for a role where one of the characters was going to die within the first eight episodes, he still chose to audition.
- He begged the producers and director to play another role in addition to Kamina so he played the role of Makken under the anagram ‘Reo Kaminaga’ which is ‘Ore ga Kamina’ (I am Kamina)
- He was able to add lines during the recording of Gurren Lagann in order to get more into character.
- He still finds Kamina his favorite character that he’s voiced, the character he describes as a mischievous rascal.
Throughout the entire nearly five-hour session, the crowd’s energy was completely infectious and full of emotion. And when Mr. Konishi received two flags that were signed by fans, he was deeply touched by the gift. Once everything was completely finished, the crowd was erupting into claps, cheers, and joyous shouts. In the end, the entire session served as a reminder of just why AX is as big as it is: a place where fans and those involved in creating their favorite series can come together to celebrate.
------Tags: ax2010, cosplay, katsuyuki konishi
I really really enjoyed AX (despite a spraining my foot on Day 0).
I came primarily for my Fanboy Crush’s May’n and Asakwa Yuu, but this may quite possibly have been my favorite event that took place during AX. There was just so much intensity by the fans that it really was moving. I can’t even begin to even fathom just how much more moving it was for the man we were celebrating. Could Ichiro quite possibly have a contender out of Konishi for the title of “Aniki” now ?
Awesome, glad you enjoyed the convention!
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