Japanese pop culture and anime fans excitedly rush through the open doors of Animazement in Raleigh, NC on Friday, as the annual 3-day anime convention starts again for its 16th year. Attendees of Animazement experience exclusive anime screenings, panels and signings with special guests from across Japan and the United States.
Celebrities include voice actress Masako Nozawa (made famous by playing Goku in the Dragon Ball series of anime), her American counterpart Sean Schemmel, along with anime director Hiroshi Nagahama (Detroit Metal City), Japanese musical guest NOIZ, and 19 other talents.
Industry guests include leading anime publisher FUNimation, here to announce their most recent and upcoming releases to the eager audience of fans. A huge selection of official merchandise is available, and amateur anime enthusiasts also sell their own art and costume accessories in the Artist Alley.
Animazement is a completely fan-run and volunteer driven convention, and is one of the largest on the East Coast of the United States. Other activities include cosplay chess, a manga reading room, a masquerade ball, and video gaming.
The doors officially open at 9am on Friday morning, and close Sunday night at 6pm.
If you’re into anime, manga, or Japanese pop culture, then dress up as your favorite character and come on down.
