NetsuCon 2023 started with a spark of spontaneity.
“Wouldn’t it be cool to throw an anime party in the library?”
That’s almost verbatim what I said a few years ago, to a group of friends who worked at the Cooper Memorial Library. We laughed about it and moved on with our day. Then I got to work, and by some act of grace, it became a reality.
So the spark was lit.
And next thing you know, Ash Ketchum is break dancing to house music (shouts out to @yourkpopdeen). And people are connecting and feeling confident and alive. It’s really happening!
And so, NetsuCon was born in October of 2023.
Then in 2024 I knew this flame needed to travel and revive itself, as movement and growth are required for survival. A good friend of mine always says, “if you’re not getting better then you’re getting worse,” and it’s true. There’s no such thing as staying the same. The world is constantly changing and if you’re not adapting and leveling up, then you will get swallowed in the chaos.
So in April of 2024, this new flame gave life to Anime in the Park, which led to another successful NetsuCon, again in October.
The gravity of what is being created sometimes hits me. It’s a lot of work and responsibility. But I’m obsessed with building something beautiful and fun in this dying and bizarre world. It doesn’t feel like work, even though I’ve put in countless hours of planning, writing, moving heavy equipment, and partying with my fellow weebs.
It’s an honor and a blessing to have seen NetsuCon and Anime in the Park come to life, and I have a responsibility to protect them and see that they flourish.
I’ve seen first hand how these events have moved people, and how this community we’re building is capable of healing and uplifting each other.
So in 2025, we keep marching forward.
Stay tuned for dates and details.
-Daniel (@doubledods)
January 11, 2025