By: Viviana Manzo
Photo Credit: THT/Angel Manzo
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) July 4, 2023 – Anime Expo is considered the world’s largest anime convention and the second largest convention (falling behind San Diego Comic-Con) that takes place in Los Angeles in the span of four days. Each year on the first weekend of July, Anime Expo unites fans and industries from the U.S., Japan, and all over the world to celebrate the Japanese pop culture in North America. The Expo features mainstream Japanese music, entertainment, fashion, video games, and so much more.
Attendees of the popular Expo are invited to show up in their cosplays of the favorite anime character or any other Japanese pop culture icon. Even my brother and I arrived at the convention dressed up. We both cosplayed as antagonist-turned-supporting protagonist of the Dragon Ball series, Android 17 and Android 18.
Many famous voice actors, writers, and creators were in attendance. The most notable guest, Masakazu Morita, better known for voicing Ichigo in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Also in attendance: Zeno Robinson (Genya: Demon Slayer, English DUB), Kafka Asagiri (Author: Bungo Stray Dogs), Yoko Taro, (Nier series) to name a few.
Tickets, better known as BADGES, went on sale January 17, 2023. Fans were able to purchase badges covering all four days or a day of their choosing. When purchasing the badges, fans were also allowed to purchase tickets for special panels to get autographs from their favorite creators or voice actors and entrances to other events such as the Maid Cafe.
With so many panels and showcases of future anime shows, the one I was most excited for was Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part four which premiered at Anime expo Saturday July 2, 2023 at 12:30PM.
Attendees were able to explore the Exhibit Hall, and Artist ally where they had the opportunity to purchase merchandise of their favorite anime shows and take pictures of their favorite anime backdrop.
One thing is for certain, such a large convention such as Anime Expo will most certainly always be sold out and you will be waiting in line for hours to enter. So, if you have plans to attend next year’s Expo, make sure to purchase the badges in time, stay hydrated, take some snacks and money! Lastly, make some new friends and have fun!
Here is a detailed list of the 2023 Anime Expo Schedule along with a list of who they could get autographs from, provided here.
