The "SF" in "SF Convention" carries a deeper meaning.
On the surface, "SF" stands for science fiction, but in Japan, it encompasses more than just science fiction works. The SF Convention includes fantasy, anime, manga, games, music, books, and more.
The Japanese Nebula Award is also selected here, through a collective vote rather than a single judging panel, which maintains its prestige.
Traditionally, the SF Convention is held at a venue with a screening room, and the opening features a specially made anime.
The most widely circulated example is the opening animation created by DAICONFILM for the convention, which featured the most popular Japanese science fiction works of the time, from *Space Battleship Yamato* to *Star Wars*, spanning both domestic and international titles.
Although DAICONFILM's work couldn't win awards, it was highly popular at the SF Convention itself.
This year's opening ceremony was no exception.
As a participant in the convention, Kobayashi Tetsu, wearing a fedora, blended into the crowd. Like everyone else, he watched the opening animation in the darkened hall.
This year's SF Convention attracted over a thousand attendees, making it a relatively large gathering.
As the opening animation played, Kobayashi Tetsu crossed his arms and watched for a moment before keenly sensing the difference.
It had to be said. DAICON FILM's capabilities were undeniable. The opening animation for DAICON4 had been far superior to this year's.
However, despite its crude animation, the current film brimmed with passion. Though the techniques were still rudimentary, the creators had done their best to showcase all the elements of this year's convention. Kobayashi Tetsu even spotted Jormungandr's plane and what appeared to be the male and female protagonists.
"Hisss... Did you pay me royalties for using my likeness?"
Okada Toshio tilted his head.
*Of course not!*
Kobayashi Tetsu had just said it casually.
Throughout the opening animation, gasps and exclamations erupted from the audience, and Kobayashi Tetsu chimed in with the rest.
As the opening animation finished and the lights came back on, the temporary emcee grinned, revealing a pair of fang-like canines.
"Actually, this year's SF Convention has an unexpected guest. When discussing the works of the past year, there's one thing we can't avoid mentioning: *Jormungandr*! Produced by our old friend, DAICONFILM—now known as GAINAX Studio!"
Okada Toshio straightened his tie, preparing to take the stage.
But the emcee suddenly changed tack.
"However! *Jormungandr* was only completed thanks to funding from others. Beyond the animation, there were also games and toys released. That year's *Jormungandr* showcased outstanding imagination and a space theme—a truly rare masterpiece. The person who first proposed this concept was none other than President Kobayashi of Atlas!"
Holding the microphone, the emcee led the applause. "Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Kobayashi! Clap, clap, clap!"
Kobayashi Tetsu removed his fedora and stood up, walking onto the stage under the watchful eyes of the audience.
At first, few recognized him, but as more people realized who he was—recalling TV reports and sharing the news—the murmurs grew louder and more excited.
Amid the rising commotion, Kobayashi Tetsu reached the stage.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in such an important event as the SF Convention. I've never had such a novel experience in the United States. Of course, I must also thank GAINAX for creating such an outstanding anime."
Kobayashi Tetsu glanced down at the audience, but the atmosphere felt somewhat stagnant.
He quickly realized what was wrong.
In this era, anyone traveling thousands of miles to attend the convention was a pure enthusiast.
To them, "commercial" was almost a dirty word. A typical businessman like Okada Toshio was a rarity.
Kobayashi Tetsu instantly adjusted his strategy.
"Speaking of science fiction, I actually have an idea for a story that I've never published before. Today, I'd like to share it with all of you."
The atmosphere in the hall shifted as everyone turned to Kobayashi Tetsu, waiting for him to begin his story.
Kobayashi Tetsu started speaking slowly.
"I call this story... *Pacific Rim*!"
"In 2023, a 'breakthrough point' to a parallel universe appeared deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. From the sea emerged an unimaginably colossal beast..."
Kobayashi Tetsu continued his tale at a leisurely pace.
*Pacific Rim* was a 2013 film that had won the Nebula Award in Japan—the Nebula Award voted on by attendees at the SF Convention.
In 2013, *Pacific Rim*'s premise was enough to secure high box office returns and awards. How much more so in 1980?
Mecha, monsters, Pacific Ocean battles—these elements perfectly hit the excitement points of the SF Convention attendees.
Kobayashi Tetsu stopped abruptly after describing the first mecha.
"Though I could continue, I don't want to steal the show," he teased.
Someone suddenly stood up from the audience—a young man in a hooded sweatshirt.
"President Kobayashi, please tell us more! What happened after that?"
Kobayashi Tetsu smiled and waved. "I'll probably finish the story eventually and publish it in book form. But for now, let's get back to the meeting."
Kobayashi Tetsu wasn't here primarily for the meeting; he was here to showcase the Super Dimension Fortress Macross!
He'd already informed the organizers, so there were no issues with presenting it now. Thanks to the Pacific Rim story he'd just shared, he faced little resistance.
Holding the controller, Kobayashi Tetsu briefly demonstrated the "reskinned" Jormungandr.
It was still Jormungandr at its core, but he'd extracted certain elements and retextured them to resemble the Super Dimension Fortress Macross.
Commercialization was usually detested by SF Convention members, but this time, many were captivated by Kobayashi Tetsu's presentation.
Super Dimension Fortress Macross was a wildly popular work from three years prior! Given Atlas's reputation, announcing now that they'd accepted Bandai's investment to adapt Macross into a game was a big deal.
It was truly starting to get exciting.
Amid the fervent atmosphere, someone pressed President Kobayashi Tetsu. "President Kobayashi, will Jormungandr release a sequel? When will Pacific Rim continue its development?"
Kobayashi Tetsu raised his hand, grabbed an imaginary object, and made a downward motion. "We'll have it all, friends. A new game will come, and Pacific Rim will too."
Of course, everyone knew Kobayashi Tetsu never followed through on sequels.
"I believe in the glory of science fiction, and I believe Atlas can deliver an outstanding game."
"Of course, I also have a small request."
Kobayashi Tetsu gripped the microphone and suddenly announced, "I don't know if everyone would be willing to give me a chance, but next year, I'd like Atlas to host the SF Convention!"
Okada Toshio gasped, Anno Hideaki-style, and couldn't help but want to curse out loud.
He had invited Kobayashi Tetsu in the hopes that the president would help him organize next year's convention.
But now Kobayashi Tetsu was suddenly declaring he wanted to host the convention himself!
Wasn't this like inviting a wolf into his own den?
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