Senshi-Con

Senshi-Con is an annual anime convention in Anchorage, Alaska, and is usually held in late February. Founded in 2005, it is the first anime convention in Alaska. The name is a combination of the English word convention and the Japanese word senshi (戦士 in Japanese), meaning warrior. The convention is organized by the UAA Anime Club. Most of the staff are students at UAA, though anime clubs from local high schools often collaborate on preparations and events.

Programming
Attendees may bring a fake prop weapon as long as it complements the costume; however, live steel weapons and any gun replicas (even toys) are not allowed. Besides a cosplay contest, there are video game competitions, anime screenings, karaoke, Cosplay Chess, and art displays. Notable persons from the world of Japanese comics and animation make an appearance and are available for autographs. Throughout the day, various contests, game shows, and skits take place on stage. While the Senshi-Con attendance levels are lower than those of the more popular conventions in other parts of North America, the staff points out that the lines at such convention are shorter, and the planning is more thorough.

History
The first Senshi-Con was held in 2005 at West High School in Anchorage, Alaska. It was founded and organized by now-voice actress Kira Buckland and the West High School Anime Club. As the convention staff graduated from high school, the convention was moved to the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

Mascots
Unlike most anime conventions, Senshi-Con features three mascots, representing typical convention attendees. They are Tammy, the video game player; Kari, the cosplayer; and CJ, the artist. The characters and all artwork were created by Phillip Matias.

Tammy
Tammy Watson is 16 years old and a second generation video game player. Both of her parents were video game champions. Her favorite video game is Dance Dance Revolution, at which she is good enough to win competitions. She owns a large collection of games and consoles (including the Atari 2600 and ten various portable consoles), and proudly wears the Pac-Man jacket made by her grandma.

Kari
Kari Matsushima is 17 years old and is a big cosplay enthusiast. Since she became interested in cosplay after seeing a Sailor Moon cosplayer during a trip to Japan, Kari made over a hundred costumes to portray various manga and anime characters. She plans on becoming an actress and has already starred in several commercials. Besides being a skillful seamstress, Kari also has a black belt in Karate.

CJ
Ji-Feng "CJ" Chen is a 17-year old Chinese-born high school student. His main hobby is to draw manga and anime. Polishing his drawing skills since he was a child, CJ became skillful at it and wants to become an artist. His other interests include Japanese cars and collecting Gundam models.