Shopping Guide
Last year, Anime Expo (AX) celebrated its 21st birthday with a record-shattering 49,000 unique visitors. AX, managed by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, is the largest otaku convention in North America, and it is held annually at the massive Los Angeles Convention Center. Dedicated AX staff and volunteers, as well as thousands of otaku and many famous guests from around the world are preparing once again to partake in the 4-day non-stop event packed with the creme de la creme of panels, cosplay, performances, and more. Following the AX tradition of the event being held during the Fourth of July weekend in the U.S., Anime Expo 2013 will be held from July 4-7.
AX is known for bringing world-famous talent from various otaku industries of Japan, including the manga, anime, music, and game industries, to America. In fact, many Japanese stars make their overseas debut at AX. At last year’s AX, popular singer LiSA rocked a full house with her North American debut performance, and in 2011 Hatsune Miku also visited North America for the first time to perform her sold out concert “Mikunopolis.”
Guests of honor this year include cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao and illustrator Huke, both TOM Special Creators, as well as the Japanese band Porno Graffitti, director Masaaki Yuasa, and other notable talent. Alodia will be participating in a spotlight panel, autograph session, and in the Masquerade as a judge. Illustrator Huke, best known for his character designs for Steins; Gate and Black Rock Shooter, will be performing a live-drawing session for fans. Director Masaaki Yuasa, known for working on the famous anime series Crayon Shin-chan, will be presenting the North American premiere of the short anime Kick-Heart!, which he recently directed. Porno Graffitti, known for performing various anime theme songs including “Anima Rossa” for Bleach, will be continuing AX’s legacy of stellar performances by rocking out in Club Nokia. 
As fans await the next panel, workshop, performance, or cosplay meetup, they can peruse the Artist Alley packed with talented creators meeting fans and selling their art or visit the Exhibit Hall, which boasts 240 vendors and exhibitors, to empty their wallets and stuff a few shopping bags full with otaku goods. Fans can also relax from the commotion of the convention at the Maid Cafe or Manga Lounge or work up a sweat battling others in the tabletop or electronic gaming areas. There are also plenty of places to mingle with fellow otaku, including Lounge 21 and Anime Dance. Further details on each other these events and more are available on AX’s official site. Amongst all the activities, one of the most anticipated events is the Masquerade. 
The Masquerade is a highly competitive, prestigious contest that showcases both outstanding craftsmanship by creators and amazing presentations by talented cosplayers that have come from around the world. In front of famous judges, contestants compete within three divisions (novice, intermediate, and master) for several craftsmanship and presentation awards and prizes, as well as judge awards. The coveted “Best in Show” winner will receive $3,000 and a top-of-the-line sewing machine. If you’re visiting AX this year, don’t miss the Masquerade! 
AX is simply an unforgettable, unparalleled otaku convention. Day and night, there is always a fun activity to join and like-minded people to meet. AX promotes individuality, creativity, and the beautiful aspect of Japanese culture that is otaku content. If you can’t make it this year, now is the time to start creating your cosplay and saving up for your trip because it’s definitely a convention worth attending at least once!
Anime Expo Official Site:
http://www.anime-expo.org/
Anime Expo Registration Details:
http://www.anime-expo.org/registration/
Anime Expo FAQ:
http://www.anime-expo.org/registration/
Anime Expo 2013 Guests:
http://www.anime-expo.org/registration/
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
