The Anime Expo of California: America's Largest Anime Convention

Anime Expo (aka AX), is the largest convention in the North Americas that has an emphasis on all things anime. The annual event has been hosted since 1992 by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation: an organization focused on spreading the popularity of Japanese anime and manga to the United States. The venue of the convention varies from year to year but has always been located in Southern California and traditionally occurs during the 4^th of July weekend. Last years convention, as well as this year, will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles: the same convention center which hosts events such as E3 and is located adjacent to the Staples Center. Reaching 43,000 fans last year, the convention has had increased attendance yearly since 1993.

For those unfamiliar with an anime convention, this expo contains an abundance of activities, main events, and other attractions held over its 4-day lifetime. A novel aspect of the expo is the high number of individuals cosplaying: dressing up as members of popular anime and video game characters.

Larger events at AX include the AMV Contest: fans rate their favorite anime music videos, AX Idol: contestants sing anime songs or do dubbing of lines from anime, Concerts from popular Japanese-pop (J-Pop) bands, and the Opening and Closing ceremonies which traditionally include words from big figures in the Japanese animation industry.

One of the most popular and time-consuming activities is exhibit hall. The hall contains booths from over 100 exhibitors selling a wide variety of products. One can find video game consoles, Wii and PlayStation games from Japan, Gundam model kits, anime figures, wall scrolls, anime props and weapons, DVD anime, manga, doujinshi, and much more.

There are many more attractions from Artist Alley where amateur to semi-professional artists sell prints of their Japanese pop culture themed artwork and signings from voice actors of the most popular anime. Each year brings new events and exciting venues to check out.

When you're tired and need a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded events you can relax in a manga café, a 24-hour video game room, or sit in on one of many presentations on some aspect of Japanese animation.

Anime Expo is a yearly pilgrimage that tens of thousands of individuals make to attend the largest gathering of anime fans on the continent. It's an event that is not to be missed, and for as little as $55 for a four day pass it has always been fairly priced.

For more information about the event you can check out the main website at http://www.anime-expo.org.