Anime Convention

Are you interested in learning something a little different? Maybe it is something that has not crossed your mind yet? Well, let me tell you a little bit about anime conventions!

What is an anime convention? Anime conventions are events that focus on Japanese anime, manga and culture from pop to traditional and just about anything in between. The original Comiket started in the year 1975. Since then, anime conventions have grown far and wide, uniting people all across the world. Fans get to enjoy themselves for three days, taking part in music, games, art, panels and, the most iconic part of an anime convention, cosplay. It is a unique experience that I recommend to fellow anime watchers, manga readers, Japanese music and art lovers, and to all of you who have never heard of an anime convention before. Who knows, you just might find something new to try!

The biggest part of all anime conventions are its cosplays. Cosplay refers to fans showing their appreciation for the culture by uniquely transforming themselves into their favorite pop icons - varying from simple to very elaborate cosplays that catch every attendee’s attention. The amount of effort fans put into their costumes is visible once they have completed their masterpiece, but do not let this put you off as there are amateurs and professional cosplayers all coming together to just have an amazing time. All that matters is having fun and joining in the spirit of the anime cons!

Another great part of conventions are the panels. Panels can be defined in different ways. Many are informative lectures about various cultural subjects while others are interactive and teach you skills like photography or voice acting. Just like the subjects of panels can vary so can who hosts the panels. Some hosts are professionals in their fields while others can be people just like you. People willing to share some of their knowledge or discuss a subject together. Go and explore the panels, do not be afraid! You might find yourself acting out a famous scene or maybe learning a new popular Japanese or Korean pop dance. Perhaps you like to create things with your hands - go to a panel that teaches you how to make your own doll! Are you into super serious discussions? There is a panel for that. Or maybe you prefer a more laid back discussion - there is a panel for that! You might like extreme and super-heated debates – oh, there are definitely panels for that as well. If you ever find you are able to attend a voice-acting panel, I very much encourage you to as you will have an amazing amount of fun and you just might partake in your very own voice acting session if you are willing to do so.

Some of the more common places to attend a panel for first time con-goers will be in the gaming room, artist gallery or dealer room. If you are a bit more of a gamer, the gaming room will become one of your favorite places, offering an incredible variety of games, ranging from classic to modern, including those on consoles and arcade machines. Show off your competitive spirit on the fighting games or take over the spotlight in a dance-off with your fellow con-goers. If your taste lies in art, the artist gallery will be one of the most beautiful places to spend your time. Artists all over the country and overseas visitors with unique skills show their art for the rest of us to see. You will find plenty of art styles and variations in their work; perhaps you will even find a piece that you want to hang on your wall back home. A rather fun yet tricky experience is the dealer room. That’s right, a place where you will find some of the most amazing merchandise relating to anime convention culture. It is a fun and dangerous place as it might leave you spending a little (or a lot…) more than you originally though you would. You can find unique games and movies from abroad that you have never seen before - amazing figurines of your favorite characters, adorable plushies from small sizes all the way to those that make you have a friend telling you what is in front of you as you carry it back to your hotel room! Really cool gear to add to your collection or to finish that cosplay you were working on.

One of the most memorable parts of a convention will be the special guests. Keep an eye out for who is going to attend a convention. Famous musicians from Japan will come and perform live, giving you a unique experience with their performance. No language barrier stops the joy of music, and it is that much more special when you know those around you share the spirit of the anime con! It is an atmosphere that you will need to experience yourself.

This is but a small glimpse of all that an anime convention encompasses. There is so much to do and enjoy inside and outside of the venue. The love for anime conventions is spread throughout three full days of nothing but awesomeness with smiles and joy in everyone. Go and enjoy yourself, make new friends and learn new hobbies. There is plenty of information to learn about conventions along with videos showing you some of the craziest moments and cosplays you will find. After attending a few including Animenext, Otakon, Nekocon, and Katsucon, I would recommend Katsucon for anyone new to the scene. It is smaller in size compared to Otakon, yet packs the same punch. The Katsucon anime convention is held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. It happens around February of every year. It can get a little chilly, but that is part of the fun. If you like a bigger venue and enjoy the summer time, try going for Otakon, recently relocated to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C. This convention is held around August of every year.

Now that you have gotten a small glimpse of an anime convention and you feel interested, go out and learn more, it will leave you craving an adventure. Come join the fun and explore the world of anime and Japanese pop culture!

To get a jump on your cosplay, take a look at these books available at the Mercer County Library System –

The Hero’s Closet: Sewing for Cosplay and Costuming by Gillian Conahan


The Costume Making Guide: Creating Armor & Props for Cosplay by Svetlana Quindt


Make: Props and Costume Armor by Shawn Thorsson

The author would like to thank Michael Hernandez for his help in researching and writing this blog post.



- Fernando Quizhpi, Hightstown Branch

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