# Music festival "Dirtybird" reportedly failed to pay hotel venue, reports The Festive Owl

Attendees of Dirtybird CampINN this past weekend in Orlando are reporting unexpected charges of over $1,000 on their credit cards, after the event’s host hotel allegedly did not receive payment from the event organizers.

As was reported by The Festival Owl on Facebook, HomeBass—the group contracted to handle lodging—failed to pay the DoubleTree Orlando on time despite a pre-event agreement. As a result, the hotel placed large holds on every attendee’s credit card just to check into their rooms. Some of those holds exceeded $1,000.

During the weekend, event organizers assured attendees that the show was fully secured and that incidental charges beyond what was promised in the event FAQ would be refunded. However, as of checkout, the DoubleTree maintained that it still had not received payment. Attendees were charged in full, and the hotel stated that refunds would only be possible if or when HomeBass eventually paid them—without any guarantees.

The hotel emphasized that it is not responsible for issuing refunds, since HomeBass was contractually responsible for covering those costs. The DoubleTree noted that it was only a vendor, not the promoter or ticket supplier.

The original ticket price was advertised as all-inclusive, covering both the festival and the on-site hotel stay. While the event itself did take place, the billing dispute remains unresolved, leaving many attendees uncertain about when—or if—their charges will be refunded.

For more, find The Festive Owl's page on Facebook.

Ani.me and our partners are unaffiliated with the event, nor The Festive Owl.

In a follow-up statement released after the weekend, Dirtybird CampINN organizers acknowledged the payment delay, attributing it to slower-than-expected room and ticket sales. They stated that the full balance had since been paid to the DoubleTree, resolving the contractual dispute with the venue.

Organizers further assured attendees that any credit card charges beyond the standard incidental holds would be automatically refunded. They stated that refunds should appear within 2–5 business days and emphasized that no guest would be left responsible for costs already covered by their ticket purchase.

The team also expressed gratitude to fans, artists, staff, and partners for making the event possible under challenging circumstances, while apologizing for the stress caused by the check-in confusion. They urged attendees to focus on the community and music that brought them together, promising to learn from the incident for future editions of the festival.

Some attendees have reported that as of this time, the charges are still pending on their credit cards.

# Anime-affiliated musicians of blank paper to perform at Anime Midwest

Rosemont, IL – Anime Midwest 2025 is excited to announce that the mysterious and dynamic Japanese music group blank paper will be making a special appearance at this year’s convention, taking place July 4-6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Since their debut in 2021, blank paper has captivated audiences with their powerful sound and unique creative philosophy, which revolves around collaborating with fans and listeners to shape their music. Their debut song enemy gained immediate attention when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline, produced by Sunrise Beyond (Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Code Geass). The track also became the entrance song for Muay Thai champion Nadaka Yoshinari—an impressive feat for a brand-new artist.

blank paper’s signature approach to music creation, known as ‘bpm’ (blank paper medicine), is an immersive experience that draws inspiration from various emotions and energies, resulting in a sound that resonates deeply with fans. The group's members remain anonymous, going only by their code names ‘C45P3R’ and ‘T3R354’, further adding to the mystique surrounding their identity.

Rumor has it that the unknown identities of blank paper members T3R345 and C45P3R might actually be KENJI03 of BACK-ON and Kumi Koda, according to a JPU investigation: bit.ly/3cUJiB9

Anime Midwest is one of the largest anime conventions in the Midwest, bringing together thousands of fans for a weekend filled with concerts, cosplay, panels, and industry guests. Known for hosting exciting musical acts from Japan, the convention is thrilled to present blank paper as part of its 2025 lineup. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience their music live in an unforgettable performance.

In addition to the concert, blank paper will participate in a Q&A panel, giving fans an inside look at their creative process and journey. Autograph sessions will also be available for attendees who want to meet the artists behind the music.

"We’re beyond excited to bring blank paper to Anime Midwest this year," said Zion Burger, Head of Guest Relations at Anime Midwest. "Their music is powerful, their presence is captivating, and we know our attendees will love seeing them live."

Anime Midwest 2025 will feature an exciting range of activities, including cosplay competitions, a massive exhibitor hall, video game tournaments, and late-night events. Fans of anime, music, and Japanese pop culture won’t want to miss this chance to experience blank paper live.

Tickets for Anime Midwest are available now at https://animemidwest.com/register . For more information about blank paper and the full convention schedule, visit https://animemidwest.com/ .

About Anime Midwest
Anime Midwest is a three-day anime con with tons of anime events, organized by fans for fans. We have lots of cosplay events, several anime screenings, unlimited free Mt. Dew and instant ramen for all people attending, lots of panels, video game events, and a lot more. Our Chicago anime con will bring together thousands of fans to celebrate Japanese animation, and some other fandoms, over a three-day-long weekend.

# Anime Milwaukee may have hired previously-fired Anime Detour executives

Reports have surfaced that Anime Milwaukee may have hired former executives that were removed from the board of directors and executive leadership team of Anime Detour, however they can not be immediately verified as the parent organization of Anime Milwaukee, called the Entertainment Culture Promotion Society, has not updated its website since 2022.

In a report to the Anime Detour's parent organization "Anime Twin Cities"'s board of directors, an external investigation reportedly uncovered credible allegations of workplace harassment, the creation of a hostile work environment, and misuse of corporate funds by several individuals who were previously members of top leadership.

One of the individuals suspended after the Anime Twin Cities investigation, Kristen Loth, is shown on the second-most-recent news item on the ECPS website as a board member. (ECPS is the organization that organizes Anime Milwaukee). It is unclear the entire composition of their board of directors, as the ECPS website has not been updated since April 1, 2022.

An unknown convention vendor told Ani.me staff at a recent event that ECPS may have also hired Troy MacDonald, who was also subject to investigation and subsequently fired from the Anime Twin Cities / Anime Detour organization.

A search last year for the Entertainment and Culture Promotion Society's Employer Identification Number 45-2642735 on the IRS website showed that the corporation was not active with the IRS. A recent search returned no data, but the third-party website "w9ein.com" said that on 2014-12-08 the organization was revocated from federal non-profit tax status, showing "Posting of automatic revocation of federal tax exempt status for not filing Form 990 return or notice for 3 consecutive years".

According to Zoominfo, the directors of Anime Milwaukee recently consisted of Amanda McManus, Rosa Halcomb, Megan Noonan, J. Berger, Kris Berger, and Kristen Loth, however this information can not be verified at this time.

The adress listed on various websites for ECPS is 10240 W NATIONAL AVE STE 1901, WEST ALLIS, WI, 53227-2029.

# Artificial Intelligence from OpenAI expands to Tokyo

In a significant move, OpenAI is establishing a new office in Tokyo and unveiling a version of its GPT-4 model optimized specifically for the Japanese language. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to localizing its AI technology as it grows its global footprint.

Japan represents a strategic market for OpenAI, not just due to its advanced technological landscape but also because of its potential for AI adoption across various sectors. Establishing a presence in Tokyo allows OpenAI to better understand and influence the regulatory environment and public discourse surrounding AI in Japan.

Despite its global recognition and Microsoft backing, OpenAI faces competition from local players like SoftBank, which launched SB Intuitions last year to develop large language models and generative AI services tailored to the Japanese market.

OpenAI’s Tokyo office marks its first in Asia and its fourth worldwide, following the opening of offices in London, Dublin, and its San Francisco headquarters. The company, which has only 1,200 employees globally despite being valued at around $80 billion, is focused on scaling its operations to meet increasing demand.

CEO Sam Altman highlighted Japan's unique blend of technological innovation and cultural heritage as key reasons for establishing a formal presence in the region. Japan's role as the current G7 chair and its leadership in the G7’s Hiroshima AI Process, which aims to promote AI safety and governance, further solidifies the strategic importance of this move.

Leading OpenAI Japan will be Tadao Nagasaki, who previously spent 12 years at Amazon Web Services, where he played a key role in expanding Amazon’s cloud computing services in the region. His experience will be crucial in driving OpenAI’s enterprise-focused initiatives in Japan.

OpenAI already has a strong foothold in the country, with major companies like Daikin, Rakuten, and Toyota using its enterprise version of ChatGPT. The company also collaborates with local governments to enhance public service efficiency through AI, signaling its broader commitment to integrating AI into various facets of Japanese society.

Lots of companies are using artificial intelligence to bolster Japanese media. For example, language learning app Rememble has most of it's Japanese content created by AI, which has tremendously boosted the accuracy and efficiency of the flashcard-based learning app.

Beyond Rememble, other companies in the Japanese media landscape are also leveraging AI to enhance their offerings. Streaming platforms, for instance, are using AI to provide more accurate subtitles and translations, catering to a global audience eager to consume Japanese content. These AI-driven improvements not only enhance the viewing experience but also preserve the nuances of the Japanese language and culture, making media more accessible and authentic for international audiences.

In the publishing world, AI is being utilized to assist in the creation of manga and light novels, with some companies experimenting with AI-generated storylines and character designs. This technology enables creators to explore new narratives and styles more efficiently, potentially reducing production time while maintaining high quality. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into Japanese media is likely to grow, offering both creators and consumers innovative ways to engage with content.

Many creatives also worry that AI will be taking their jobs in the world of anime creation. Anime creators are already severely underpaid and overworked, with many facing grueling schedules and tight deadlines. The rise of AI in anime production has sparked concerns that it could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to job losses or further devaluation of human creativity. While AI can assist in tasks like in-between animation or background design, many creators fear that it could replace them altogether, reducing opportunities for artists to develop their skills and maintain a stable career in the industry.

However, some argue that AI could also serve as a valuable tool for anime creators, helping to alleviate some of the workload and allowing them to focus on more creative aspects of their work. By automating repetitive tasks, AI could enable artists to spend more time on character design, storyboarding, and other elements that require a human touch. The key challenge will be finding a balance where AI enhances rather than replaces the creative process, ensuring that the artistry and craftsmanship of anime continue to thrive.

# Anime Detour removes Troy McDonald and Kristen Loth from executive team

Minneapolis, MN – Anime Detour, a popular annual anime convention held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, has undergone a significant leadership shakeup following the results of two internal investigations. The convention, which draws thousands of fans of Japanese animation, comics, and culture, is organized by a volunteer-run board of directors. Recent events have brought internal conflicts to the forefront, resulting in the removal of key figures and a restructuring of the organization's leadership.

Anime Detour provides a space for fans to connect over their shared interests, featuring panels, workshops, screenings, cosplay events, and a bustling vendor hall. Like many fan-run conventions, its operations rely heavily on the effort of volunteers who form its organizing committee and board. The board of directors is responsible for the overall management and direction of the convention, handling finances, logistics, and addressing internal and external issues.

The recent controversy stems from complaints lodged against Coordinator Troy MacDonald and board member Kristen Loth. These complaints triggered separate investigations conducted by an external legal team. The results of these investigations were presented at a recent board meeting, leading to decisive action.

The investigation into Troy MacDonald uncovered credible allegations of workplace harassment, the creation of a hostile work environment, and misuse of corporate funds, according to a report issued to the organization's board of directors. Following the presentation of these findings, the board held a vote of no confidence in Mr. MacDonald. This was followed by votes to remove him from his Coordinator position and to ban him from all Anime Detour events for a minimum of one year.Kristen Loth was also subject to an investigation regarding the sharing of confidential information. The board subsequently voted to remove her from the executive team, demoting her to a general staff position.

The impact of these investigations extended beyond the individual cases. The board also conducted a no-confidence vote for the entire executive team, which included Brittany Hecker, Kristen Loth, and Morgan Niemeyer. This vote resulted in their demotion from executive roles to general staff. In the interim, department heads will report directly to the board until a new coordinator is appointed.

Further fueling the internal turmoil, the board rescinded a series of staffing bans previously imposed by the now-demoted executive team. The board cited inadequate justification for these bans and expressed concern over their timing, which occurred shortly before elections.

Looking ahead, the board has announced plans to post an application for the open Coordinator position within the next week. They also emphasized their commitment to transparency and encouraged anyone with further information or concerns, particularly regarding alleged misuse of funds, to contact them directly. The board expressed a desire to move forward and focus on planning the next Anime Detour convention. The upcoming election results, announced after 8 PM, will likely play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the organization.

This series of events highlights the challenges faced by volunteer-run organizations and the importance of clear policies and procedures in maintaining a healthy and productive environment.

A screenshot of the notes is herein.