Posted on 14th January 2025 by

Animangapop: Behind the Scenes

The interviews

In this short series we take a look behind the curtain at some of the people who make the magic happen. These people give huge chunks of their spare time to bring these shows to life all around the country and are dedicated in making sure they put on the best show they possibly can, making sure everyone has a fabulous time and leave them wanting to attend Animangapop again. So without further ado, let’s say hello to… Wendy.

Hello Wendy, thank you for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions.

Can you tell us what your role here is at Animangapop?

I’m the Workshops and Panels Manager, so I coordinate with panellists or workshop hosts for each show. We have a full range from informational panels, interactive crowd work, dance lessons, and fun presentations on niche interests. If you want to try hosting a session, please do fill in the applications form or reach out, I’d love to hear from you.

How did you get involved with Animangapop and have long have you been here?

I saw the recruitment post on Instagram and decided to give it a go! I’ve only been here since September 2024 so not very long but it has been a lot of fun so far travelling all around the UK. I do really recommend trying out roles like these even if you’re unsure as you can learn a lot about yourself and working in a really dynamic environment.

What is one of your favourite tasks and why?

I absolutely love organising and working with Excel and planning documents. I think it’s to do with the process of brainstorming a bunch of ideas then picking out the ones that look best and figuring out how to make them happen.

What is the one task that is a grind but needs to be done?

Definitely unloading the van on the night before a show, and loading the van after. There really is a whole lot that goes into it, setting up the monitors in the game room, building the stage and tech, putting up signs and displays. One might not realise it but all of that requires a fairly big team to put everything together.

If you had to pick one memorable thing that has happened in the last 10 years of AMP, what is it?

I’d say the first show I’ve ever attended was quite fun, and very different from the big conventions I have previously attended in London. The more social and comfortable atmosphere was the reason why I wanted to join in the first place.

Animangapop embraces all forms of Japanese POP-Culture. What is your favourite part of Japanese culture and why?

I am very into JMusic, idols (real and anime) and Vtubers (which are adjacent). I grew up listening to JPop (Namie Amuro, SMAP, AKB48) and I enjoy listening to the top charts and finding rising artists. There is something about watching artists/streamers grow as musicians and performers that I find very compelling. I’ll be attending the Ado and Yonezu Kenshi concerts in London as well!

What is your Favourite Anime?

I really love slice-of-life anime that touches a bit more on reality with themes about creating something. The best examples would be Shirobako (an anime about making an anime), Bakuman (an anime adapted from a manga about making a manga), and New Game (an anime about making a game). I do find something about workplace anime quite relatable and endearing

Tell us one funny thing that has happened to you at an Animangapop event in the past?

At one show I screwed in all of the monitor legs the wrong way in the game room. At that same show I had my first experience with a power tool and in that moment I felt invincible.

Thank you for time time on this Wendy, we know you are super busy with Shows.

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