LOS ANGELES—On the July 4 weekend, the Japanese government sponsored the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the largest anime and manga convention in North America, attended by over 100,000 Japanese pop culture enthusiasts.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Anime Expo, dubbed “The Year of the Fan.”
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Japanese entertainment includes anime, manga, video games, J-pop music, films, comedy, television, and all things modern Japan.
International consumers buy Japanese entertainment and related content in droves. Anime conventions held around the world prove this point.
The Fans Converge
The Anime Expo gives fans a chance to meet with their favorite actors, directors, or writers, and mingle with other like-minded people.
Nick Kossman came dressed as the anime character named Gohan, from the hit series “Dragon Ball.”
Like many young men who are now in their 20s, Nick first experienced anime in the late 1990s when shows like “Pokemon,” “Sailor Moon,” “ Gundam,” and” Dragon Ball” aired on Cartoon Network’s “Toonami” block of afternoon television. Nick told The Epoch Times, “‘Dragon Ball’ is what got me into anime. I saw it on ‘Toonami’ and have been a fan of anime ever since.”
This was Nick’s third year at Anime Expo. He flew into Los Angeles from Idaho the day before the convention and stayed until the day after.
Why does Nick keep coming back? “It’s the experience. There is a preconception that if you like anime, you are weird. Not here, though. If you come here, you’ll be accepted.”
“Talk to anybody, they are open. We all like anime. Everybody accepts you, even if your costume isn’t perfect.”
Countless other fans dressed up in costumes, in this art known as “cosplay.” They represent their favorite characters from a preferred series, such as Edward Elric from “Fullmetal Alchemist,” or Master Chief from “Halo.” They purchase or make the costumes themselves, including fake weapons. The costumes are minutely detailed, and competitions are held to determine the best.
There is also the famous costumed Masquerade Ball, where like-minded fans can meet that special someone.
In addition to anime screenings, karaoke, and gaming at the Anime Expo, illustrators and hobbyists sell their goods in the Artist Alley.
Big Business Endeavors
Representatives from chief retail and production houses promoted their new titles while pop stars sang Japanese idol music, voice actors answered questions, and manga authors signed autographs. All manner of merchandise and related goods were sold at the hundreds of booths.
Major players in the industry had equally major booths at the event, including FUNimation, Namco Bandai, and Crunchyroll, along with dozens of independent storefronts that sold Japanese wares and pop merchandise.
Special guests included The Power Rangers and veteran voice actors Vic Mignogna and Miyuki Sawashiro.
Numerous other celebrities and industry leaders attended Anime Expo to celebrate these Japanese creations in America.
J-Pop Hits the Stage
Hit J-pop band Kalafina held a concert on Saturday, July 2, to a full audience at the Nokia Theater L.A. LIVE.
They were followed by the North American premiere of digital pop idol and Internet sensation Hatsune Miku.
Miku is a fictional “digital diva” created by Crypton Future Media, whose high-pitched voice is synthesized through Yamaha’s Vocaloid software according to pre-written lyrics. Miku’s realistic holographic image danced on the concert stage, a la Madonna or Britney Spears, courtesy of computer animation by SEGA.
“Fans in North America have been clamoring for Miku to perform here and we have listened,” said Marc Perez, chairman and CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, in a press release.
Imagining the Real
Imagination is a principal characteristic of the Anime Expo. With digital stars now selling out concert halls, the line between imaginary and genuine is becoming blurred. What is real anymore?
Imagination is found in both the content and in the minds of the fans, who truly wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Fans continue to come back for that real imagination time and again. Next year’s Anime Expo will be from June 29, to July 2, 2012.
More information on anime and manga can be found in Derek Padula’s book “The Dao of Dragon Ball” and on his website www.thedaoofdragonball.com.
