Are you a passionate anime fan dreaming of immersing yourself in a vibrant world of creativity and excitement? Do you want to show off your impressive cosplay and meet people who share your interests? Then FanimeCon 2024 is the unmissable event for you! Held from May 24 to May 27, 2024, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, FanimeCon is the largest anime convention in Northern California, promising a “PLUS ULTRA” experience for all lovers of Japanese culture. This year, the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) is returning to FanimeCon with exciting activities that will energize the festival atmosphere.
Exploring FanimeCon: A Gathering of Passion and Community
FanimeCon is not just a convention; it’s a cultural celebration where anime, manga, gaming, and cosplay enthusiasts from around the world come together to share their passion and enjoy unique activities.
A Shopper’s Paradise: Artist Alley and Dealer’s Hall
Discover unique art pieces at FanimeCon’s Artist Alley
Artist Alley: Step into a world of creative artistry where you’ll find unique works, limited-edition prints, and handcrafted merchandise from talented artists. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind anime poster or a quirky mousepad, Artist Alley has you covered. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to support independent artists and take home exclusive fan creations.
Dealer’s Hall: Across from Artist Alley is Dealer’s Hall, a shopping paradise for anime fans. Here, you can immerse yourself in a sea of vendors offering a vast array of products ranging from rare collectibles and special edition comics to the latest anime merchandise. Be prepared to take home your favorite goodies!
Meet Your Heroes: Insider Panels and Special Guests
FanimeCon presents a rare opportunity to meet and interact with industry experts, renowned voice actors, and talented creators. Attend in-depth panels to gain insights, hear fascinating stories, and ask your idols questions.
Special guests this year include:
- Hirokatsu Kihara: Production coordinator of the iconic animated film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
- Casey Mongillo: Voice of Shinji Ikari in Netflix’s 2019 dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
- Yuu Hayashi: Japanese voice actor known for his work as Ryunosuke Tanaka in Haikyuu!!, Manjiro “Mikey” Sano in Tokyo Revengers, Michizo Tachihara in Bungo Stray Dogs, and Takuma Ino in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Stay tuned for official announcements to learn their panel schedules and locations.
Test Your Skills: Gaming Hall
Dive into the gaming world at FanimeCon’s Gaming Hall
If you need a break from shopping and socializing, head over to the Gaming Hall at FanimeCon. This year, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, FanimeCon will bring back plenty of retro arcade games, promising nostalgic and exciting experiences. You can also join console game tournaments, try your luck with indie games, and explore tabletop gaming fun.
Cosplay Runway: Spotlight on Amazing Costumes
Cosplayers gather at FanimeCon showcasing their love for favorite characters
FanimeCon is one of the year’s biggest cosplay events, where you’ll witness breathtaking costumes meticulously crafted to portray characters from anime, manga, games, and pop culture. Annual cosplay meetups throughout the week are the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share tips, and snap memorable photos.
Whether you’re a fan of Demon Slayer, Frozen, Honkai Star Rail, or Genshin Impact, you’ll undoubtedly find your “crew” at FanimeCon. Remember to ask permission before photographing cosplayers and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the magic!
Tips for Attending FanimeCon and Standing Out
To make the most of your FanimeCon experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan ahead: Check the event schedule, mark the activities you want to attend, and plan your travel to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Prepare your cosplay: If you’re cosplaying, brainstorm ideas and work on your outfit in advance to allow time for adjustments.
- Bring cash: While many vendors accept cards, carrying some cash makes shopping easier, especially with smaller booths.
- Stay healthy: FanimeCon is large and bustling, so make sure you eat well, drink plenty of water, and take breaks to maintain your energy.
- Respect others: Be courteous to those around you, especially cosplayers. Always ask for permission before taking photos and adhere to event regulations.
Cosplay on Display: Show Off Your Costume at FanimeCon
Cosplay on Display at San Jose Public Library booth
If you want to showcase your cosplay without entering competitions, visit the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) booth at FanimeCon and join the Cosplay on Display event. Pose with a library card and share your passion with other fans. The deadline for submissions is August 10, 2024.
Don’t miss the annual Graphic Novel Book Contest if you’re eager to showcase your manga or comic creation skills.
Final Thoughts
FanimeCon 2024 promises an epic event where you can indulge your passions, meet like-minded individuals, and create unforgettable memories. Get your cosplay ready, charge your camera, and prepare to “Travel the World” for a weekend of anime magic! See you there!