Well, faithful readers, Otakon 2009 is in a few days (this weekend, July 17-19). As you may already know, the convention, which takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, will be hosting several prominent Japanese musical acts this year. Rock band VAMPS will be holding a press conference, while concerts will be performed by I’ve Sound artist MELL, American-born singer BECCA, and cello player and vocalist Wakeshima Kanon. It all promises to be very exciting, and since I (pengie) will be in attendance as a member of press, I’ll be doing my best to bring IW daily coverage of the events!

I’ve secured a one-on-one interview with Wakeshima Kanon on Saturday evening. Additionally, I have requested interviews with MELL and BECCA, and should hear a response on these sometime this week. Even if I’m not able to secure an interview with them, there are press conferences and/or Q&A sessions likely being held for each artist, as well as the concerts themselves. (VAMPS is not actually holding a concert at the convention, but is playing a show in Baltimore on Thursday evening; I will not be attending, unfortunately.) So what does this mean for you guys? It means that you have chances to suggest questions again!

If you have a burning desire to ask Wakeshima Kanon the name of her cello (or cellos?), or how fluent BECCA is in Japanese, or whether or not MELL is just as tired of “Red fraction” as the rest of us… head on over to the wotatalk links below and suggest away! Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and posted on IW when they are completed, as well as concert coverage and any other related events I may end up attending.

IW at Otakon – Questions for BECCA
IW at Otakon – Questions for MELL
IW at Otakon – Questions for Wakeshima Kanon
IW Interview/IW at Otakon – Questions for VAMPS (updated)

Keep your eyes on the front page of IW for my coverage of Otakon 2009… and if you’re actually going to be there, feel free to stop me and say hi! I’ll be the one wearing a press pass, IW pin, and looking flustered nonstop.