We all know that Anime Expo 2024 took place in July, specifically from the 4th to the 7th, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Perhaps you were one of the lucky ones who could enjoy this experience in person, but if not, here is a brief “summary,” telling you how the 2024 edition of Anime Expo in Los Angeles was lived.
This year’s event was a complete vibrant celebration, filled with announcements, special activities, and, of course, cosplay, which, like other years, stood out as one of the main attractions. Here you can see a summary of the…
Important Events
- Cosplay and Competitions: The convention was the stage for the World Cosplay Summit USA, where “We Need Disguises Cosplay” won and will represent the United States at the next Summit in Japan. The cosplay event included different categories such as beginner, intermediate, and master, with awards for the best in craftsmanship and performance. The variety of costumes was impressive, demonstrating the creativity and dedication of the participants.
- Music and Pop Culture Events: The “Hatsune Miku Colorful Stage!” event was a great success, featuring Ai Furihata and Mayu Yoshioka, who are the voices behind some of the popular characters from the game. The panel offered a mix of live performances and interactive sessions with fans, establishing itself as a highlight for followers of Japanese music and pop culture.
- Fan Meeting Areas: Meeting sites were strategically located throughout the convention, offering spaces from small to large for fans of different series and games to gather. These spaces allowed attendees to interact, participate in organized photo sessions, and enjoy the company of other fans with similar interests.
- Contests and Interactive Activities: Apart from cosplay, there was a wide range of contests and interactive activities. From anime music video competitions to comedy shows and live games, attendees had numerous opportunities to showcase their skills and win prizes. These events not only added fun but also allowed participants to demonstrate their creativity and passion for various aspects of otaku culture.
Notable Appearances
- Hatsune Miku Colorful Stage! Panel: This event featured Ai Furihata and Mayu Yoshioka, famous for their roles in the “Love Live!” and “Wake Up, Girls!” franchises, respectively. They participated in a panel where they interacted with fans, sharing experiences and performing iconic lines from their characters.
- Cosplay Masquerade Judges: The judging panel included prominent personalities from the cosplay and Japanese acting community, such as Regan from Cowbutt Crunchies Cosplay and former members of the Takarazuka Revue, Urara Reimi, and Hiroki Nanami. Their experience and renown in the otaku community added a level of prestige to the cosplay event.
- Nobuhiko Okamoto and Tomori Kusunoki: Both voice actors had notable appearances at Aniplex panels where they discussed popular series such as Blue Exorcist and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II. These events not only attracted fans of the series but also allowed attendees to gain insider views on new sagas and developments in these animes.
- Ayako Kawasumi, Nobunaga Shimazaki, and Rumi Okubo: This trio of voice actors was part of the Fate Grand Order anniversary event, celebrating the projects of TYPE-MOON and discussing their experiences and characters within this expansive universe. Their participation underscored the ongoing connection between voice actors and their fan communities.
- Bocchi the Rock! Panel: Yoshino Aoyama and director Keiichirō Saitō participated in an exciting panel where they shared anecdotes about the production of the anime. The session was particularly moving and humorous, highlighting the close collaboration with manga creator Aki Hamaji, which was very well received by fans.
- D.C. Douglas: Known for his roles in numerous video games and anime series, Douglas had a special session where he interacted with fans and signed autographs. His presence was a major attraction for attendees interested in the dubbing and voice acting industry.
Undoubtedly a unique event that will remain in memory forever, don’t you think? And since we’re feeling sentimental, how about you swing by the comments and tell us what you think about Anime Expo 2024? You know, Otaku, we’ll be reading! 😉
Images Source: Con Quests Official YouTube Channel, Patrick Goelz YouTube Channel, TotoMarvs YouTube Channel
