are anime conventions fun

by Maudie Luettgen 6 min read
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Anime Conventions – like all conventions of this nature – are a lot of fun! There's even opportunities for Live Action Role-Playing (aka LARP). So don't be afraid to explore and take advantage of every part of the convention you can. Don't waste all your time in one area.May 24, 2015

What is an anime convention and why do people attend them?

What is an anime convention and why do people attend them? Anime conventions are events for fans of anime (Japanese animation) and other related media, such as manga (Japanese comic books) and video games, to gather and share there interests.

What are the best anime conventions to attend in Los Angeles?

If you're in Los Angeles in the summer, Anime Expo (or AX for short) is worth looking into. It is one of, if not the biggest anime conventions in the U.S., and it was founded not just to celebrate anime, but Japanese culture and art. This dedication to its roots earns it a spot here. What's awesome about this event:

Is Anime Expo the largest anime con around?

So are we. Anime Expo is the largest anime con around, with over 100,000 fans in attendance.

Should anime conventions hold mock game shows?

A growing trend in the past few years has been for anime conventions to hold mock game shows and other improvisation events where costumed attendees put on the personas of the popular characters they're dressed as.

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What is it like going to an anime convention?

At a typical anime convention, expect to find rooms and rooms of anime fans and anime paraphernalia. Expect a lot of cosplayers to be there as well dressed up as all sorts of characters. More often than not, they're open for a photograph so don't be afraid to ask for one!

What do you do at a anime convention?

Anime conventions often have panels, which are open ended discussions involving some pre-determined topic, usually related in at least some way to anime. Panels usually come in two segments, the host puts on a presentation or does an interview with a guest, and then the fans are asked to give questions.

Should you go to an anime convention?

Anime conventions are a great way to meet other anime fans, learn about your favorite anime, and have a lot of fun. You don't have to spend much on costumes or tickets, and you're sure to have a great time. Even if you've never attended one before, you should consider going to an anime convention.

Are anime conventions kid friendly?

Generally, if your child is above the age of 13, well behaved, and traveling with a group of trusted friends, it's probably fine for them to attend the convention without you. Is my child safe? Anime cons are generally very safe environments.

Should I cosplay at my first con?

Absolutely, in fact the majority of attendees don't do cosplay for the event. And if this is your first time, it may be for the best if you opt for comfort over creativity. If you have a relevant t-shirt, Comic-Con is a great place to wear it.

Do you have to cosplay at an anime convention?

At Anime Expo (“AX”), we celebrate the creativity of cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish–regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species.

Can an 11 year old go to an anime convention?

These wristbands are optional; though we do highly recommend them as a safety precaution. Ages 6-13: Child badges have the same access as a 4-day badge. Attendees age 13 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 for the duration of their time at the event.

What should I wear to my first anime convention?

There is going to be a lot going on and you are going to want to dress to the nines cosplaying your favorite anime characters. Whether that cosplay requires a something simple like a tee-shirt and slacks or something as elegant as giant angel wings, you need to make sure that your cosplay is fun but still safe.

Can I go to an anime convention alone?

Most folks think you have to have a big group to enjoy an anime convention, but the truth is you can have fun at a Con all by yourself! No, seriously, I mean it! Going solo to an anime convention can be just as fun as going with a group of people; in fact, it might even be more enjoyable for some people.

Should a 12 year old cosplay?

“Can kids cosplay?” A resounding YES. Children can cosplay and even do a good bit of the work that is involved in creating costumes and characters.

Can a 12 year old go to a cosplay convention?

COSPLAY IS AN ALL-AGES EVENT. There will have one competition for children 13 and under and then a contest for anyone else entered. The Cosplay choice should be considered a PG-13 rated event at the most.

How old do you have to be to go to Anime Expo?

18All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to pick up their badges. Every badge must be activated to participate at Anime Expo 2022.

What is cosplay in anime?

Cosplaying is synonymous with anime conventions. Yes, it is easy to put together a ragtag costume (it’s also very funny), or to buy one from a Halloween masquerade store, but many of these attendants pour thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours creating their own costumes. They use 3D Print technology for armor, or paper mache techniques, stencils, steel forging and welding, LED lighting, anything. The creativity and innovation is incredible. You’ll catch celestials with ten foot wingspans, enormous robotic suits, eyes glowing, bodies whirring with mechanical, moving parts. This community pours everything they have into an outfit that allows them to be the character they love the most. In essence, they are allowing themselves to be themselves through their characters. It is amazing and art in motion.

Can you share your staycation experience with a friend?

You might also want to share your staycation experience with a friend. The advantage of inviting someone is that you can split the expenses and you can do more with your budget.

Where to go to anime conventions?

Make sure you go to at least one of the following biggest anime conventions in the United States. 1. Anime Boston. If you’re an anime fan living in the northeast, you must attend Anime Boston. This convention is typically held in the spring and rakes in over 20,000 attendees.

How many people attend the anime expo?

Anime Expo is the United States’ largest anime convention, boasting over 100,000 attendees. It usually takes place in the middle of summer, so make sure your schedule is open—you won’t want to miss this convention.

Where is the anime weekend?

Anime Weekend Atlanta. Head down to Atlanta, Georgia, for a four-day convention full of panels, concerts, and video games. Anime Weekend Atlanta takes place in autumn and brings in over 30,000 anime fans. Along with an artist’s alley and dealer’s room, Anime Weekend Atlanta also has a manga library and fashion show.

Where is Sakura Con?

Image credit: Aranami. Location: Seattle, Washington. On the other end of the coast lies Sakura-Con, a huge pacific-northwest anime convention with a growing guest list. In 2017, the convention saw about 25,000 anime fans. Sakura-Con started in 1998, giving it plenty of time to grow.

When is Youmacon?

Youmacon covers the umbrella of Japanese pop culture, touching on anime, video games, artwork, music, and more. This event opens in late October to early November, and lasts four days. Youmacon has everything that your typical anime convention has.

When did Sakura Con start?

Sakura-Con started in 1998, giving it plenty of time to grow. Step on the convention center floor, and you might not find yourself going to sleep. The convention is open 24 hours with plenty of things to do—you can sing karaoke, meet famous voice actors, attend plenty of diverse panels, and listen to live music. 3.

Where is the anime matsuri?

Location: Houston, Texas. At Anime Matsuri, you can expect all-night fun—food trucks and events run until 4 am. The 40,000-person event is held in mid-summer, and brings together anime fans from all over the country. Anime Matsuri has plenty of unique events that make it stand out from other conventions.

What is anime convention?

Anime conventions are places to connect with likeminded people who happen to enjoy the same things, be it anime, manga, video games, and a wide variety of cultural touchstones.

What to remember for a con?

Outside of hydration, this is the most important thing to remember for your con experience. Cons are nothing more than a gathering of people for a similar cause. However, everybody has different motives and not all of them are good. What should be number one in your mind is staying safe while at and around the con.

Is the Monster Cosplay walkable?

Imagine it is the day of the con and you have dressed up in a fantastic monster cosplay that is made of foam and cardboard. The con is a few blocks away but it is easily walkable. As you head out, it is absolutely pouring, which has been expected for about a week.

Where is the longest anime convention?

4. A-Kon. Cosplay and fish. Double the awesome. A-Kon takes place in Dallas, lasting four days. It's North America's longest-running anime convention, starting in 1990, and including a huge list of guests who have been there. Dozens of voice actors, industry people, singers, and bands earn A-Kon the spot on this list.

What is the name of the anime convention in Michigan?

Youmacon. A Halloween party for anime lovers. Michigan's largest anime convention, Youmacon has a horror-inspired theme because of its name which comes from the Japanese word for "demon" or "ghost" and because of its timing, taking place around Halloween. The spooky four-day convention will send chills down your spine.

What is the oldest anime dance party?

The Soap Bubble is the oldest anime dance party in the U.S. Guess you really can't stop the beat! ⦁ Kit's Kids Club offers hands-on and off panels designed to teach any 14-year-old and under who's accompanied by an adult about Japan, cosplay, and geekiness.

What is the anime central?

Anime Central, also known as ACen, has been happening only a short drive from Chicago since 1998. It's on this list because of its focus on the animation industry. t was founded by the Midwest Animation Promotion Society.

Where is Fanimecon based?

Fanimecon. Some of Fanimecon's fabulous fans. Fanimecon, based in San Jose , is billed as "Northern California’s largest anime convention". It offers a broad range of gaming, anime, and cosplay events, as well as panels celebrating and educating in Japanese fashion.

Where is Sakura Con?

8. Sakura-Con. Set in sweet Seattle. The Pacific Northwest's oldest anime convention, Sakura-Con is another non-profit "by fans for fans" volunteer-run con. Sakura-Con's appeal comes from its programming, covering all aspects of fandom and the anime industry. What's awesome about this event:

Is Otakon going to have a costume contest?

Otakon's 2020 costume contest. One of the biggest anime conventions in the east, the Washington DC-based Otakon has been going strong since the mid 1990s and going strong ever since. Otakon gets a place on this list because it had more guests, in both the anime and the music industry than any other convention I've seen.

What are the disadvantages of attending a convention alone?

The disadvantages when you attend a convention alone. Be sure to save up more money than usual when traveling and planning to attend a convention alone. All the expenses will be on you! Everything is more expensive when you’re alone at a convention.

What do you need to do at a convention?

You need to socialize or be open to socializing at the convention. If you want to have fun and not feel lonely at the convention, you need to put yourself out there at the convention. Part of the fun of going alone to a convention is talking to meeting new people!

Why is it important to travel to a convention alone?

In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of having fun when you’re traveling to a convention alone is socializing with others. If you have social anxiety, there’s no need to put more pressure on yourself to do so. If loneliness is very difficult for you to deal with (or you need someone with you at all times).

Can you be a Normie alone?

It’s one thing to be a normie with friends, but it’s very difficult being a normie alone at a convention. It’s much harder to break the ice with people and you might get trapped being lonely at a convention. So I highly recommend cosplaying at a convention to make it easier to socialize with others.

Can you leave a convention early?

Follow your own schedule and do whatever you want. You can stay or leave the convention whenever the hell you want. No need to leave the convention early to drive your friends home, or having to be inside your friend’s car at a certain time.

Can you go to a convention alone?

Loneliness is part of traveling alone but it can be very difficult for someone who’s not used to it. If that’s the case, then attending alone may not be for you. With that out of the way, let’s talk about why it’s great to attend a convention alone!

Can you be lonely at a convention?

It can be feel lonely at times going to a con on your own, but that’s just part of the experience. At times it can feel awkward, lonely and even depressing at a convention. This is especially true if you’re not socializing with anyone at the convention, or you feel like no one wants to socialize with you.

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