Anime Expo 2017
July 1-4, 2017
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Convention Center
July 10, 2017
by James Vallesteros
There were plenty of noteworthy accomplishments for the 26th Anime Expo. The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Anime (SPJA) celebrated a 7% increase in regular unique event attendance at 107,658 and a 15% increase in overall attendance reaching 115,726 from the previous year. A total of 450 booths covered the Exhibit floor of the South and West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
(San by @saylum, Ashitaka by @minibobafett)
2017 marked the first time Anime Expo added a Pre-show Night which was received very well. Over 150 guests were invited to provide enlightenment to the attendees. 2017 also saw Anime Expo expanding into the JW Marriott. Over 800 hours of onsite programming and 30+ hours of live-stream content were dished out, making it the first time Anime Expo was enjoyed all around the globe by way of the internet.
(@saylum & @minibobafett, Catwoman by @s1ntwist3d)
Many big names in the Japanese entertainment industry made their way to Downtown Los Angeles for the annual 4-day festivities of Anime Expo. Names such as actor Yamada Ryosuke and Director Fumihiko Sori presented a panel for the highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of the beloved Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Legend of Zelda manga creator Akira Himekawa and the co-creator of Food Wars! Shokugehi no Soma Yuto Tsukuda were also on hand to discuss their franchise and upcoming projects.
We have been going to Anime Expo since 2014 and it has seen a sizable amount of growth. Not just the numbers in attendance but also the show’s content. Each surpassing year always outdoes the previous and it’s going to continue with that trend. There are new and familiar exhibitors that will keep any fan’s craving to take home some memorabilia from the show.
(Junker D.Va by the.littlesparrow, Insomniac Spider-Man by @saylum)
As cosplay is a huge hit at any Anime Convention, cosplayers alike enjoyed the numerous extravagant backdrop settings in the West Hall. There was a various assortment of settings to rightfully fit anyone’s cosplay to snap pictures on their mobile devices for social media appreciation. In one setting, you are in the green wilderness of Japan. Take several steps to your left and then you’ll find yourself in a traditional Japanese classroom, complete with desks, blackboard and all the props you can think of.
Attack on Titan Cosplay
@waifutella & @minibobafett
Badge pick-ups have been a big issue at Anime Expo. Many attendees were hoping that it would be eliminated and to finally get badges mailed out prior to the event. Unfortunately, it was not the case and it created many people stuck in lines waiting to pick up their badges. We are hopeful that badges will be mailed out next year as it imposes a better experience for everyone.
Anime Expo is not looking to slow down. With an increase in attendance every year, we are expecting 2018 to be another huge success. If you are a fan or curious about Japanese Pop Culture or Pop Culture in general, Anime Expo is perfect Fan Convention to attend. Anime Expo will return in 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center July 5-8, 2018.
For more information regarding Anime Expo, visit www.animeexpo.org.
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