Unlike previous Anime Expo’s, I was able to have a relaxing Day Zero where I did not have to do any airport pick up. Suffice to say, I had a good night sleep. I woke up almost in time for my carpool to downtown Los Angeles. Still sleepy, I decided to make a Zero Hour Vlog talking about what I planned to do at Anime Expo later that day.

I also had to coach my brother’s press team (Ctrl Alt Kill) in preparation for the big show. As I always advise, “Have a sense of professionalism, relax, and have a song in your heart.” Stan arrived on Asian time. The Crtl Alt Kill team caravanned with us over to downtown Los Angeles. Ease on down the Harbor Freeway!

Stan, Deb, and I checked in as press. It was a smooth process despite miscommunication with the Anime Expo department previously. Each press team got their program goodie bag and a messenger bag.

Thursday is typically the slow day. Not many crowds. You could still find a seat at the Galaxy Food Court. The dealer’s room, like last year, was spacious. Not once could you feel like you were sardined in with the crowd. You can really breathe. I talked to Tony Oliver and Cristina Vee (Bang Zoom) about breaking into voice acting and how I have been wanting to break in professionally. Likewise, they recommend taking classes and practicing every day.

I was able to meet up with a college buddy Gerard Hom (Capcom) and an acquaintance from Chicago, Soy Sauce. Soy Sauce informed that the Guinness World Record of Most Number of Video Game Cosplayers gathering was not happening due to no available notary.

The dealer’s room had much to offer – Lolita fashion, Tokyo street fashion, discounted DVDs, cosplay outfits and accessories, manga, doujinshi convention promotionals, and activities relating to Japanese culture. The best part of the dealer’s room was how Artist Alley was adjacent to the hall. Artists can have much more foot traffic in as opposed to last year where Artist Alley was hidden like a secret ninja village.

Unlike last year, the Galaxy Food Court did not give me food poisoning. The convention hall staff was prompt in cleaning the tables. I sat down and had lunch with Mr. Postman.

It was time to check into our hotel at the Omni Los Angeles. It was the furthest hotel from the convention center. Stan, Deb, and I ran into some heavy traffic due to a robbery. However, the hotel lobby was very nice and perfect for some Melty Blood / Tsukihime shots. Ironically, one of the first things Stan and Deb at the hotel room was play a round of Melty Blood.

We were shocked to find out that parking per night was $30. Stan also had the option of parking in an unattended lot for $8 a night. Given that it was Stan’s car, we did not want to make a calculated risk. The hotel staff helped us take our stuff to our hotel room. From there, Stan and Deb wanted to relax and play video games. Meanwhile, I had to prepare for the Masquerade Ball.

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