This past AX was my first time attending, and Kami-sama was truly on my side. I was VERY fortunate to have gotten tickets to ALL of Kaji Yuki’s events including the autograph tickets for him and Maeno Tomoaki.
I am really grateful to my friends that helped me out tremendously and Funimation, Aniplex and Kondasha for making all of this possible as well. Kaji Yuki is the ONLY reason why I came out to AX. It was totally worth it. I am going to break down my time at the con day-by-day. I spotted Daiki, how I meant Kaji-kun and Maeno-san at AX.
Bare with me, this is a really-lengthy post, but I giving a detailed account of my encounters.
Thursday July, 5th
I arrived in L.A. very early Thursday morning. I arrived at the LA convention center around 9 a.m. and the lines to get inside where already wrapped twice around the center. I decided to wait to go in and find my Airbnb instead. Good thing, I waited, because I was able to settle in put down my stuff and finally head over to the con. My Airbnb allows the 420 rule, which being from Texas we have no such laws about smoking Cannabis legally. Thankfully, my hosts where very pleasant and put me up in one of their non-smoking rooms.
Daiki-spotting:
While I was hanging out at the Marriott that Thursday, I actually spotted Daiki-san with an entourage. I wasn’t too sure if that was him, but I happened to look down and saw that he had on Deku’s red shoes. Daiki is same-size as Deku. He’s very petite if that’s a good way to put it.
He was on his way out. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend his panel, the Bnh movie premier or his autograph session. Daiki, departed I think either that day or sometime on Friday for Japan. At least I got the chance to see him randomly in real-life.
Event one: Aniplex Cell’s at Work talk show. This was inside the event hall and fortunately my friends and I managed to find space in the front, and we got autograph tickets for Maeno Tomaki. The talk show event was more about promoting the anime, for which I hadn’t heard of. They bought out the cosplayers and someone from the production team. As soon as they announced they were giving out the autograph tickets, people started pushing and shoving. They told us if we keep doing that, they WILL NOT give out tickets. I just stood there, and I was handed a ticket. Being patient and quiet seems to pay-off. I was not going to get trampled, after-all.
Day one at AX ended on a great note. I finally got to meet one of my Twitter friends, we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out. We ended up attending the Boku No Hero Academia Host Club event. We hit up the official Funimation party at Lucky Strike. Free bowling, drinks and appetizers. We spent the rest of the evening drinking, having fun and seiyuu spazzing.
Friday, July 6th
Kaji-spotting:
Friday was D-day for the both of us. Kaji-kun’s panel and autograph session, in addition to Maeno’s panel and autograph session. We prioritize our respective plans, and decided to meet-up for Kaji’s AOT autograph after both the Seven Deadly Sins, and the Cells at Work panels. A couple hours prior to the 7 deadly sins panel. I decided to head out to the con early, since the event was being held at the Marriott, I headed over there early in the morning. While I was having breakfast and speaking with my mother on the phone.
I happened to look up and I spotted Kaji-kun. He actually looked over in my direction. I recognized him right away. I was so surprised, that I was trying my best not to see where he was going. As I continued to sit there and mulling over seeing Kaji-kun, he passed by again presumably heading back to his room. I jokingly told my mom that I just spotted the person that I came to the con for and how I resisted the urge to jump over the rails and follow him. She proceeded to tell how I needed to remember that he is not an idol and only a human. Such a mom answer. Lol.
Event one: Seven Deadly Sins panel featuring both Bryce Papenbrook & Kaji Yuki. I sat front-row during this event. Kondasha actually live-tweeted during the panel and you can actually read some of both Bryce’s and Kaji-san’s answers. Kaji-kun was such a delight. He’s so pleasant and very aware of the atmosphere, the environment and the audience. Kaji-kun was very engaging with us the audience. I have watched Kaj-kun in other events, I am really grateful that he didn’t seem uncomfortable speaking mostly via a translator or being around a foreign audience.
I was very shocked at how much English Kaji-kun spoke, his English was actually was clear and concise. He walked into the panel and greeted us all in English. Kondasha are the publishers of the manga, that’s why they live tweeting the event. Funimation staff were the moderators of the event. One of the highlights for me, was the brief live manga reading. We got hear both the English and Japanese readings. Both were great. I do not know much about Bryce Papenbrook at all. I usually watch anime subbed, but I did enjoy AOT in English, but I did not know the English voice actor’s name.
Kaji-kun really has this amazing ability to keep the audience engage while, being cute, flirty all wrapped in this amazing package. He pointed out this awesome Ban cosplayer in the audience. He commented on his cosplay. One of the other highlights was one of the fan questions. A female fan asked Kaji-kun something about who was his favorite.
Kaji-kun hesitated and smiled and said, “Maybe you…?” Everyone swooned. I certainly did :)
He did go on to answer the question. I must say I really enjoyed that, it was very cute and clever, I’m sure the fan was in complete awe as well. We got to preview a bit of the upcoming season. Overall, it was an awesome panel. Interestingly enough, while I was standing in line, I mentioned how I was only there to see Kaji-kun and the others did not have any idea who I was talking about. Whenever the panel finally started, it honestly felt as-if Bryce received more applaud than Kaji-kun. By no, means am I pointing this out as a bad thing at all. Maybe other die-hard Kaji fans simply couldn’t get into the panel.
In fact, I am happy that the English voice actors are getting much respect and love from fans, because they work extremely hard if not harder than their Japanese counterparts. Both Bryce and Kaji-kun seem to vibe and get along with one another.
Event two: Attack on Titan autograph session. I was one of the earlier sessions. This was actually the one event that I came at least two hours early for. I was NOT going to miss my chance to see Kaji-san up close and personal.
Kaji-kun-autograph session:
Once I finally got in line for the autograph session. It was interesting because they had Funimation folks standing in front, making sure that no one snuck in any pictures of photography at all. Needless to say, I was hella nervous. I had my Kaji-bananyas with me. Funimation provided us with the poster for both Bryce and Kaji-san to sign. I was surprised that they actually allowed for us to give them gifts. I handed mines for Kaji-kun over to one of the Funimation staff and they said they would give it to them. I had never meant Bryce before, he was super nice and pleasant.
Kaji-kun was next, he was really happy to see the Kaji-bananyasandhe said “Oh Bananya.” He smiled and said, “Thank you,” in English to me. He had a translator with next to him, in case someone wanted to ask him something. Kaji-kun is so freaking cute and adorable in real-life.
Kaji-san’s signature XD
Event three: Cells at Work autograph session. I couldn’t indulge into meeting Kaji-san because I had to hurry to Maeno’s autograph session which was in completely different area of the convention center. Once I finally found Maeno’s autograph line, there was a lady standing near it, who directed me over to the line. It was already three other lines filled with people. Thankfully, someone came and we randomly started chatting.
There were many Japanese people in line for Maeno. Obviously, many of them were so happy to meet him. They sadly do not get these chances so in Japan. I’m sure he was taken aback that his fans would come all-the-way from Japan just to meet him. My new friend and I were some of the last people before they cut-off the line for his autograph. Once it was my turn. Those nerves came flaring up again. I actually spoke to Maeno in Japanese, and he replied back in Japanese, lol. It was funny whenever he was signing the Cells at work postcard, I blurted out “すごい.” “suggoii,” he laughed, and I told him thank you and nice meeting you and he thank me too.
Maeno was super nice and sweet too. He looks the same as he does in pictures. He is one of my seiyuu bias. He looked much younger in person I must say. I did not get a chance to attend Maeno’s panel, because it conflicted with the Seven Deadly Sins Panel. Anyone’s who’s been to AX knows how much you have to prioritize what events you want to do. In order to do things at AX you have to plans things out. Being the teacher that I am, I made myself a schedule of all the events, times, dates and the locations and printed out all the tickets of everything. For me, organization is an essential part of my life.
Friday was hella busy day for me that’s for sure. Friday ended on another great note. My friend and I had separate plans. I headed back over to Funimation’s party at Lucky Strike, they kicked us out for the after-party. I randomly meant this really nice, cute guy and we ended up having dinner together. Later on that night, we ended up back at Lucky strike for the after party. Turns out some of the former Power Rangers were there, took pictures with them and my homie Polo was the dj. Then we got to party it up with both Polo, and Teddyloid. Awesome way to end the day.
I was so lucky not only to attend both Kaji’s panel and get his autograph, but I got to see Kaji-kun before he put on all the make-up and got all dolled-up for his events for the day.
Saturday, July 7th
Kaji-kun sighting
I didn’t attend any events on Saturday. I couldn’t and refused to try and wallow through all the huge crowds, there wasn’t any Kaji-related events going on. My bestie and her sibs and I headed over to Gardena, to Book-off and spend some time at the Tokyo-Central market. I did miss the Sirius the Jaeger premier and another autograph session, but in the end, decided to hangout with my bestie for the day.
Later on that evening, I wanted to see what parties were going on. Some of them were paid, others were sold-out. My friend who I got both Maeno and Kaji-kun’s autograph with, decided to go to Marriott. I arrived there first, because I needed to go back to my Airbnb to grab some things, so I arrived there first at the Marriott. To my absolute surprise there was a party going on in the lobby at the Marriott.
As I sat there in the lobby waiting for my friend, I spotted Kaji-kun. He was with his entourage. I assume that they had came to check out the partying. For some reason Kami-sama was on my side, because their group walked right in front of me.
I sat there for a second thinking, Kaji-kun is a few feet away from me. What the hell should I do…?
So, I plucked up the courage, and I walked over to Kaji-kun. I tapped him on the shoulder and said, “すみません.” “Excuse me.” Yes, I touched Kaji-kun hehe. He turned around. I asked could I get take a picture. (I knew the answer would be no…but I needed a reason to speak to Kaji-kun).
Once Kaji-kun realized what I asked, he responded in English, “No pictures, please.”
Someone else, in his group, said, “Sorry.”
I suppose my disappoint was apparent. Kaji-kun reached out his hand to me, and shook my hand, and smiled at me. I walked back over to my seat. Kaji-kun and his entourage left soon after.
I sat there for a moment, taking the fact, that I not only plucked up the courage to go over him, but I got to actually talk to him albeit briefly and got to shake his hand. My inner-fangirl was screaming ❤️I totally felt like those middle-school girls that said that they would never wash their hand again.
I had to maintain my composure as I sat there. That was definitely not what I expected at all. I must admit that I was happy that I was looking really cute that day, and not in any Otaku gear at all, which I think helped me approach Kaji-kun.
My friend finally arrived and we proceeded to party a bit as it was my friend’s birthday. We ended up leaving the party early because we still had to attend the AOT premier panel the next morning.
Sunday, July 8th
Sunday was the final event featuring Kaji-kun. I lined up for the AOT panel, I started chatting with two others and after waiting for over hour or so, they finally let us inside the event hall. I managed to save my friend an aisle seat near the front so that she could have the perfect view of Kaji-kun. The AOT panel was moderated by another member of the Funimation staff. Another fun panel both Kaji-kun and Bryce were funny, engaging and entertaining. Kaji-kun greeted us all in English once again just as the 7th deadly sins panel.
The moderator asked some really awesome questions. She confirmed the ErenxLevi ship. She asked both Bryce and Kaji-kun who is the best boy and best girl. Both Bryce and Kaji-kun agreed that Levi-heichou but, I believe that Bryce mentioned something about Eren being best boy and they both said that Mikasa was the best girl. They revealed the opening, which even didn’t get to see, was sung by both Hyde and X-Japan.
We got to see the premier episode of season 3. The episode exceeded my expectations. Moderator asked both Bryce and Kaji-kun what they thought of the episode as they watched it backstage. They all agreed it was beyond good and couldn’t wait for the premier. Kaji-kun committed about how surprised he was at the reception from the foreign audience and how well-received AOT has been received overseas. The moderator made the mistake of telling the audience that we were going to do the salute, and that we should come closer to the stage, of course people rushed over to the stage.
So, we stood near our row, and moderator said that Kaji-kun would do the salute in Japanese for us. It was so cute, Kaji-kun said in English, “Put your left hand over your heart, and your…he turned to the translator she interpreted the rest. That was really funny and cute.
The panel ended soon afterwards sadly.
Spent the remainder of the day or rather what was left of the con, doing some last minute shopping. I bought the Hakuoki Kyoto Winds bonus pack from Idea Factory for $35. It came with the Vita game, bento box, artbook, furoshiki, soundtrack, reversible cover sheet. Honestly, I don’t do too much shopping at cons anymore, mostly because the items are redundant, much more expensive, and overpriced. I can usually get most the items I want via proxy, Mandarake, Amazon JP. Buyee. But, I do understand the instant gratification, but I also had to think of how to transport all those items home. Funimation and another company gave away these huge standees. All I wondered was how in the hell where they going to get those things home.
Post-con July 9-11th
I didn’t leave LA till Wednesday. We had some time to relax after the con. My bestie’s hotel was smack in the middle of Lil Tokyo, in fact the hotel was directed connected to the Weller Courtyard. The Murakai market and the Kinokinya were in the same courtyard less than a 5 minute walk. I meant up with a good friend of mines from Anaheim.
She was so happy that I got to meet Kaji-kun. I had an unfortunate incident with my iPhone. The charging port went completely out. After running around between T-mobile and another place, I was told of a place that specializes in fixing iPhones. My phone was repaired. I resumed enjoying my time in LA. I meant with another friend of mines, who I hadn’t seen in 7 years. We departed L.A. sadly on Wednesday.
Despite having to hit the ground sprinting, (my Japanese class started Thursday, my body flow training was this past weekend, getting together all my applications materials) I still have yet to completely wrap my head around the whirlwind of AX. I never ever imagine how much luck would be on my side, in not only getting into all the events, I wanted, but meeting Kaji-kun.
Kaji-discourse…
These are solely my own personal thoughts and opinions, of Kaji-san after meeting him and attending both 7 deadly sins and AOT panels.
Kaji-vibe
I have to say, I understand why so many people like Kaji-kun. The director of One-Punch stated that, “Whenever Kaji-san is in the room the atmosphere changes.” I completely understand that now. Kaji-kun has the great ability to keep the audience engaged, and he’s very aware and always presence. There was never a moment, in either events where Kaji-kun looked distant, uninterested, or disconnected from us the audience. He was very engaging with the mods and the other guests. Kaji-kun certainly does have a pleasant, warm aurora about him.
I was pleasantly surprised that whenever I saw Kaji-kun around the hotel, he looked exactly what he looks like in pictures and on television. There was no smoke and mirrors so to speak. I suppose that’s why whenever I saw him I instantly recognized him. Kaji-kun always seem to have a bright smile on his face, and seem overall happy to meet us international fans. I wonder if our vibe is different from the Japanese fans. I wonder if Kaji-kun was able to relax a bit while he was in L.A. He didn’t have any events to attend on Saturday. He wasn’t covering up his face like usual. It must have been a bit of relief for him to have time to relax.
To be or not to be straight…will the real Kaji Yuki please stand-up…
This is where my true personal discourse comes in.
Whenever I saw Kaji-kun walking around the hotel, he was dressed very casually. If you follow Kaji-kun on social media, he’s usually dressed up in all these bright colors especially for his magazines covers. They usually have Kaji-kun dressed up looking all bright and cheerful. It was nice to see him more relaxed and casual.
Kaji-kun is so light and delicate, and comes as being very feminine, and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that at all. In fact, it would probably cause us ladies less headaches if men would stop trying to act so overly masculine and macho. Kaji-kun is not short, but not tall either, average height (5’7). I guess he’s tall to me, because I am really short (5’1). I’m petite so everyone is tall to me, lol.
Kaji-kun seems like the type of person, who really likes very cutesy, frilly things, and flowers, I mean lots of them. I guess typical things most people would associate with what women usually like. With that being said, I honestly do not think that Kaji-kun really has much interest in relationship with a woman…Seeing how very single he is… Let me try to put this in a different perspective. I am older than Kaji-kun. I do understand that thing about being a single unmarried 30+ something, and having an established life, and for whatever reason society has deemed that by the time you hit your thirties you are supposed to be established and married with children.
That’s where all that talk about him wanting to get married and having a family stems from. It is one thing for a person to say what they want or rather what society is expecting them to say. We as fans have to understand that Kaji-kun has been placed on this extremely high pedestal. He is supposed to always be happy, bright, cheerful, hard-working, and always this obedient ruler follower. He’s life is so tightly-controlled by his career, management team, and societal expectations, so therefore the whole-marriage thing is no different.
Even through Japanese society is slowly changing, many elements in their society are still quite prevalent regarding men and women’s place in society. Japan is a patriarchal society, therefore, as the only son he is still expected to carry on the family name because that is what the collective society and his family expects him to do. If Kaji-kun doesn’t meet these expectations he will be deemed a failure, for not meeting and exceeding those imposed expectations.
I hope no one takes this as I don’t want to see him get married. Honesty, it does not matter to me, but what I am trying to explain is that I feel that the Kaji-kun that WEdon’t get to see that often, probably doesn’t necessarily care for marriage, and probably be happy being with living his 恋人 (lover). Kaji-kun just didn’t come off as someone who was interested in women to me. Which is why I’m surprised I was able to approach him and get a handshake. I don’t think that he is homosexual but rather: pan, bi, demi, but certainly not straight.
We should understand that we only see one aspect of Kaji-kun’s persona, and outside of all the copious amount of events, photo-shoots, interviews, radio-shows, and social media that he’s a completely different person. These days more and more people are opening up and becoming much more aware of their sexuality, therefore you cannot simply assume that someone is hetero.
Again after seeing Kaji-kun in real-life and watching his interactions, I really got the feeling that he is not interested in women or maybe a relationship in general. Kaji-kun is married to his career at the moment.
Perhaps this is why Kaji-kun made the comment about not being sure if he would get married, because he’s so busy with his career, but then again the REALKaji-kun probably isn’t really interested in marriage or rather is indifferent about marriage.
Again my personal opinions as a thirty-something who has lived abroad before, and traveled to Japan, so I am not just speaking solely on flighty opinions, but rather personal experiences, and as someone who’s older and has life experiences and been in relationships.
Random note: There’s a show that aired on VICE called “Gaycation.” Their first episode was filmed in Japan. They divulged into the LGBQT community in Japan. It was very enlighten and eye-opening that’s for sure.
Phew…
So much control…please set Kaji-san free…
“I’m like a bird.
I only fly away.
I don’t know where my soul is.
I don’t know where my home is.”
“I’m like a Bird” singer, Nelly Furtado.
I made the comments early about how connected and aware Kaji-kun was during the panels, but I suppose at the same time I couldn’t help but to think that there was an element of control and him being so acutely aware of his body language and answers to the questions. I feel that practically everything Kaji-kun does is being strongly controlled. Funimation was responsible for being Kaji-kun over, so I suppose in order for them to get him over that they had to adhere to the strict rules set-forth by his management company. (Such as the strict no-pictures policy)
It almost seems like everything is so tightly controlled and restricted for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if they scheduled in time for him to breathe and take a bathroom breaks. It makes me wonder if there will ever be a time whenever Kaji-kun can truly be himself. He must envy some of his other friends, such as Tatsu. Tatsu is a chain-smoking, acid tongue, death-metal rocker star. He gives no fucks, swears all-the time, and is known for not following stage directions well, and tells it like-it-is. Tatsu is who he is and makes no apologies about it. I completely commend him for being himself especially within a society that places all these cultural implications and expectations on members of their society.
I truly hope that one-day that Kaji-kun will be allowed to be who he is truly is and who he wants to be one day. Kaji-kun commented that in another life he would be a monk. Poor guy. I think that’s him secretly calling out to the fact, that if he probably strives for a more peaceful and quiet existence. I bet if Kaji-kun had it his way, he would simply be a seiyuu without all the photo-shoots, the constant barrage of promotions, television and radio appearances and social media updates. As much as I love all of the visual aspects that come with being a Kaji fan, if there was anything that I want for Kaji-kun, is for one day he will completely be free.
I obviously cannot tell anyone what to do or how to support their bias, but if there was anything that I wish other hardcore Kaji fans to do is to continue to support him. I truly think that Kaji-kun does appreciate it very much, I think it makes him feel that everything that he is doing is so worthwhile no matter how tired and stressful it maybe for him.
I also hope that he will able to truly live a peaceful and not-so-controlled existence, while still doing what he truly loves, and free to love who he wants.
Happy 32nd Birthday to this so cute and adorable seiyuu.
I know you will have another successful year. Always be in good health (psst - Veggie Police Kaji-san is waving)
And congratulations (for the nth time) on your artist debut.
We fans will always support you. ❤️
I absolutely am in love with this guy . We’ve got tons of similarities, not to mention we’re both born on the same year . He was one of the reasons why I got out of my depression ❤️ . I can say his smile saved me. (cliche right? but it’s true) Though, I so love Daiki’s serious side.
I am very happy when he debuted as a music artist. Among all the seiyuus that I followed, he has the most amazing voice and I was praying real hard to see his debut, and it came true.
I hope I could meet him and get his autograph one day. ☺️
This cinnamon rill baby is officially 31 today (09/07). And I’m so happy for him!!
Thank you for giving voice to a lot of my fave character, like Deku and Shion!
Please stay healthy and happy. And don’t forget to eat more veggies.
This is from yowapeda live action event last Sept 5. Isn’t he so adorable!?
Btw, I noticed that he is losing some weight (or is it just me). He must have done some workout during the lockdown in Japan few months ago.
Also, he mentioned one time on his twitter that once everything is back to normal (corona virus is gone) he’ll go eat hamburg (in a restaurant *cough* Sawayaka *cough* or smth)
Don’t worry Daiking. I’ll be over, hopefully soon. ☺☺☺
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