Are you ready for a PLUS ULTRA filled anime extravaganza? Look no further than FanimeCon 2024, Northern California’s largest anime convention happening right here in San Jose! From May 24–27, 2024, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center will be popping with fans, artists, cosplayers, industry experts, and every other anime enthusiast out there. What’s even more exciting is that the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) will be at FanimeCon again this year! Wondering what kind of "anime-mazing" adventures we'll be stirring up? Let’s dive into what to expect at this year’s con:
What Happens At Fanime?
🖌️Artist Alley and Dealer’s Hall🖼️
Artist Alley: Explore a treasure trove of unique and handcrafted art, prints, and merchandise from talented artists all around! Whether you’re looking for that perfect anime poster or desk mat, the Artist Alley has it all. Support the small businesses by buying fanart from your favorite anime!
Dealer’s Hall: Across from the Artist Alley is the Dealer’s Hall. It is your opportunity to get lost in a sea of vendors offering everything from rare collectibles, manga sets, and to the latest anime merchandise. Hope you saved up because it is definitely a paradise for all fans!
👥Panels and Special Guests🎥
There are only a few opportunities a year for you to engage with industry professionals, voice actors, and creators during insightful panels. Come early to beat the crowd! Some luminaries like Hirokatsu Kihara, the production coordinator for the iconic anime mvie Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Casey Mongillo, the voice behind Shinji Ikari in the 2019 Netflix dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Japanese voice actor, Yuu Hayashi, the voice of Ryunosuke Tanaka in Haikyuu!!, Manjiro “Mikey” Sano in Tokyo Revengers, Michizo Tachihara in Bungo Stray Dogs, and Takuma Ino in Jujutsu Kaisen, will be attending this year! Stay updated with announcements to hear when and where their panels will be taking place!
🎮Gaming Hall 👾
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the con? Well, you're in luck, the Gaming Hall at FanimeCon is getting a makeover this year! In celebration of FanimeCon’s 30th anniversary, rumor has it they're bringing back a ton of retro arcade games! Don't miss out and visit the world of gaming as the hall gets filled with classic games, console games, indie games, and tabletop adventures. Try your luck and compete in the console gaming tournament! Stay tuned to their social media for updates on tournaments and schedules.
🦹🏻Cosplayers and Gatherings📷
A fan of series like Demon Slayer or Frieren? How about games like Honkai Star Rail or Genshin Impact? Well, you can check out your favorite characters come to life at the annual cosplay gatherings that occur at Fanime throughout the whole weekend. Witness jaw-dropping costumes as fans transform into their favorite characters and maybe even yours! Make sure to ask permission to photograph cosplayers and most importantly, don’t forget your camera!
Cosplay On Display
Cosplaying this year but not competing in any contests? No worries! Visit our booth (near the Artist Alley) to showcase your cosplay creations with San Jose Public Library (SJPL)’s Cosplay On Display Event. Strike a pose with a library card and share your passion with fellow fans. Save the date as the last day for submissions is August 10th, 2024. Make sure you get everything ready before you submit! Double check by reviewing our Guidelines and Entry form.
Don't forget to also take a look at our annual Graphic Novel Making Contest if you’re interested in having your own manga or comic entered into a competition, with a chance of being one of our grand prize winners!
Questions?
For more information, visit Cosplay on Display or email us at graphicnovels@sjlibrary.org.
These are just a sneak peek of the awesome things FanimeCon 2024 has in store, so be sure to check out the FanimeCon website for more details. Get your cosplay gear ready, charge your camera, and join us for a weekend filled with anime magic! See you there! 🌟🎉
✨Read Ahead with the Trends at This Year's Fanime ✨
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