Anime Expo
| Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Anime Expo |
| Dates: | 1991 - present |
| Frequency: | annually (except 2020) |
| Location: | Los Angeles, CA, USA |
| Type: | Non Profit |
| Focus: | Anime, Manga, Cosplay |
| Organization: | Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation |
| Founder: | UC Berkeley’s anime club, Cal Animage Alpha |
| Founding Date: | 1991, incorporated 1992 |
| URL: | https://www.anime-expo.org/ |
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With an attendance of 100,000+, Anime Expo is North America’s premier anime fan convention. It regularly brings in big name creators and production companies, and is THE place for previewing anime, buying expensive Evangelion models, and of course Anime cosplay. Although attendance is large, it does not rival the size of San Diego’s comic con, but the sheer number of people packed into the convention center can be overwhelming.
Purpose
The organization states its purpose as follows:
While AX has grown drastically over the years, the core goal has remained the same: to welcome attendees for a fun and memorable experience. Each year, Anime Expo brings together fans and industry from Japan, the US, and all over the world for the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Anime Expo features the best in Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, and video games. Anime Expo is organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire the world through Japanese animation and culture..[1]
Reports
A report by Derek Quintanar in Animag issue 2.03 estimated that over 2,000 fans attended Anime Expo '92. He contrasted it to AnimeCon '91, noting that Anime Expo had been created by diehard fans instead of being sponsored by Gainax like AnimeCon. According to Quintanar, Anime Expo '92 had a "more intimate scale" than Japanese conventions, allowing fans to ask for personalized sketches in autograph sessions and talk to creators personally at a Meet the Guests reception.
The English dub of Macross II premiered at Anime Expo '92, along with a subtitled version of guest Buichi Terasawa's Karasu Tengu Kabuto.[2]
2020
The 2020 fan convention was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The organizers plan to have a convention in July 2021.
Events
- Exhibit Hall
- Panels
- AMV contest
- Cosplay Masquerade
- Maid cafe (no food)
- Butler Cafe (no food)
- Burlesque
- Industry Announcements
- Premiers
- Signings
- Art Show
- Etc.
References
- ^ Anime Expo Website. https://www.anime-expo.org/about/ Accessed Feb 18, 2021.
- ^ Derek Quintanar in Animag Volume 2, Issue 3: Anime Expo '92