![]() Calling up participants row by row, the hosts gave attendees the opportunity to have a go at the drum after a skillful demonstration. A taiko workshop hosted by the Torrance-based UnitOne gave Expo-goers an introductory course to the spirit of Japanese taiko as well. Proceeds from the annual Anime Expo Charity went to the JACCC while the Little Tokyo Historical Society, “The Fall and Rise of Little Tokyo,” and “Tanabata Festival Community Kazari Workshop” panels were among the many events showcasing the tradition and history. Japanese and Japanese American culture, too, were among the highlights of the Expo’s agenda. Vendors were also an integral part of the convention’s livelihood, with the Artist Alley attracting thousands of patrons across all four days. Among the many scheduled were TV show premieres, Q&A sessions with voice actors, industry and informational panels, maid and butler cafes, film screenings, musical performances, and walks through the Exhibit Hall. I love the energy that people bring to the convention.”Īside from taking photos with cosplayers, attendees were free to explore the Expo’s various events and activities. They’re excited to see our costumes, and I think that’s super cool. “I don’t mind it though,” friend Anna adds, cosplaying as Nobara Kugisaki (also from Jujutsu Kaisen). ![]() I think we’ve had our picture taken more than we’ve actually seen of the convention,” laughs one cosplayer, Olivia, clad in a Maki Zenin cosplay from “Jujutsu Kaisen.” With cameras in hand, cosplayers can expect an entourage of fans and enthusiasts, all eager to snap a photo either of or with their favorite characters. “And this was made out of copper and leather,” he gestures back to his Mumen Rider cosplay.Ĭosplaying at Anime Expo is its own unique experience, with mobs of photographers – amateur and professional – flooding the halls as well. I had to do a few redesigns for the first time,” he says, pointing to the Alphonse Elric (“Fullmetal Alchemist”) armor he also displays in a wooden cart attached to his bike – a cosplay that he wore at previous Expos. “I’m a blacksmith, so I made that out of cardboard, then out of metal. Leon Vanguard, a cosplayer that I chatted with on Day 1, spent well over 800 hours on his cosplays.Having never missed a convention since 2005 – and even meeting his wife at 2008’s Expo – Vanguard transformed into Mumen Rider (“One-Punch Man”) for this year’s Expo. From the subtle to the ornate, cosplayers novice and experienced alike took to the convention center to showcase their talent and craft. Yet, despite the convention center’s newfound changes, Anime Expo 2022 kept the spirit of cosplay and creativity well-fueled. “With a lot of free time, it’s easy to want to find new movies and shows to get into.” “I think it had a lot to do with people being bored and wanting to find new hobbies and explore different types of media,” says Imogen Yang, who has been attending the Expo with her family since childhood. But, as the first in-person Anime Expo since 2019, some longtime fans argued that this year’s increased attendance stemmed partly from quarantine boredom. Attendance rates have been steadily climbing since the convention began in 1992, with 2022 being no exception. The pandemic had another hold on the convention as well. With fluctuating vaccine requirements and shoulder-to-shoulder alleyways, grievances against the Expo generated both in-person and online discussion. The convention center’s COVID-19 protocols weren’t without criticism, however. Situated on Chick Hearn Court next to the (née Staples) Arena, attendees could then expect to receive wristbands authenticating their pass through the COVID check station. New to the convention this year, however, was the queue checking for negative COVID-19 tests or vaccine cards. After navigating through the many faces in the crowd, I began to appreciate the numerous fans, cosplayers, vendors, and collectors that came together to celebrate their favorite anime characters and beloved shows.Īs in years past, participants were able to choose from single-day passes all the way up to the full, four-day access pass. Having received an invite from the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, I was lucky enough to experience my first anime convention (or really, first convention ever) this year alongside both fellow first-timers and longtime veterans. ![]() Anime Expo 2022 kicked off earlier last month, running from July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
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