Ami Himesaki “I imagined Russia to be the kind of place you see in anime. But then seeing it for myself, just walking around the city there are beautiful people and buildings everywhere and it’s exactly as I imagined. My impression of foreigners is that they’re quite gung-ho, but Russians, like Japanese, have a shyness about them, and that’s something new that I discovered.
I’m happy that I was able to make friends with the female AniCon staff who took part in the exchange group. It’s the first time I’ll get to communicate online in private with someone overseas, so I’m looking forward to it. A love of anime is something that can break down barriers; it’s a universal thing.
It was a privilege to meet everyone in St. Petersburg and I would love take part in AniCon again.”

Manami Sakura “Before we left, I was really worried that people might not accept me over here. I thought it would be a much more uncomfortable setting than what I’m used to, but people came up and talked to me and everyone in Russia is just really nice. Being greeted by people with a hug is something new for me and I was a bit stunned at first but I’ve gotten used to it.
I’ve had plenty of opportunities to sing and play guitar while we’ve been here, and I’ve experienced what it’s like to overcome cultural borders and communicate through music. I want to take what I’ve learnt here in Russia and share it with people when I get back to Japan.”

Fuko Shiira “My only impression of Russia was that everything and everyone was “white.” I couldn’t even remember names like St. Petersburg. But then I came and saw the place for myself and everyone is really warm and friendly, and to be honest, I didn’t want to leave. People in Russia have posted a whole bunch of photos that they took with me online and I realized, we can still stay connected through social media.
I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to take part in the exchange group at only 16 years of age. I got to spend time with people outside my regular group of school friends or the other LinQ members and it’s been an absolute blast. My time in Russia with all the Japanese voice actors, maids, models, cosplayers, illustrators and various other members in the group, made me realize just how wonderful a culture we have in Japan. I was actually a little upset that I hadn’t caught on sooner. But now I want to do my bit and help share various aspects of Japan with people, too.
I think it’s a real shame that there are so many people in St. Petersburg who love Japan and Japanese culture but the Japanese people themselves aren’t aware of it. I hope that I can be a bridge for Japan and Russia in whatever way possible.
I’d love to see idol culture grow and see more LinQ cosplayers out there.”