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Anime Expo 2014, North America’s largest Japanese anime and manga event, was held for four days from July 3-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in the U.S. There were many works at the event, but one from this year that stood out in popularity was Kill la Kill. So much so that there was a flood of cosplayers dressed in the unique designs from the series. This gave the impression that the series has just as big a following as in Japan or possibly even exceeds it.
During AX 2014, an event titled “Kill la Kill Special Event” was held in the main hall of the convention center on July 4. Regardless of it being a premium event, meaning that on top of the entrance fee to AX attendees had to also buy tickets ranging from $35-45, it completely sold out, and the crowd of 3,500 fans showed the height of Kill la Kill’s popularity.
The event was 2 and a half hours long. Guests from Japan included writer Kazuki Nakashima, character designer Sushio, and producer Yosuke Toba from the staff, as well as Ami Koshimizu (Ryuko Matoi) and Ryoka Yuzuki (Satsuki Kiryuin) from the cast. They introduced a fun episode from the series.
One of the highlights was the collaborative concert by Eir Aoi, who sings the series’ opening theme. Nearing an hour in length, she sang a total of nine songs at the concert including “Sirius,” the opening theme to Kill la Kill, and the background track “Sanbika.” Her MCing portions, which she desperately practiced English for, moved the hearts of those in the audience. She also sang her song “Ignite,” the opening theme to Sword Art Online II that will release in August, for the first time. It was quite a substantial concert. She finished off the concert with the message, “I want to come back soon!” to which the venue was wrapped in loud cheers from the audience. It seems her presence in the U.S. will increase from here on.
Eir Aoi had her major debut in 2011. She has been holding concerts overseas since the spring of 2013. Coming one year and three months after this, this concert held at AX 2014 marks her 10th concert overseas. She will also be holding a concert at the end of the month in ACG Hong Kong. Eir Aoi’s time in the spotlight has surely come. Look forward to more growth and activity from her to come.
Source: animeanime
