The bigger and better Artists' Alley

The day started off with a quick trip through the new Artists' Alley, expanded to an exhibit hall since we don't have to share space with a baby show or wood furniture show this year. I'll be visiting again tomorrow as more artists arrive.

Omodaka onstage

The Opening Ceremonies was next with introductions of all the guests here at this year's convention. Musical guest Omodaka made in an appearance in miko wear and spoke a bit to the audience in pretty good English. The 8-bit style music video of his that was shown was quite interesting so I'll be going to his concert tomorrow night and have a report then.

Afterwards was a visit to the "CLAMP at 20" panel for a discussion of CLAMP's many popular works and some upcoming stuff, like the Kobato anime (I bought three volumes of the Japanese manga at the dealers' room today to prepare for it).

Those Kero-chan and Suppi costumes had to be hot. Now if there were only a giant takoyaki it'd be perfect

You can find all of the cosplay pictures I took today in the gallery below. My friends cosplayed as Darkstalkers characters and then Kero-chan, Suppi, and Sakura-chan from Cardcaptor Sakura. This is actually the first anime con for my friends' niece and she seems to be enjoying herself so far, thankfully (and I've gotten her interested in Shugo Chara, yes!).

That's all for tonight — I'll be back tomorrow for what's sure to be a more crowded day with more reports and more pictures. You can stay updated through the day by going to my Twitter feed (send me a tweet if you're here so I can meet y'all!).