After the successful return of over 100,000 attendees at the four-day Anime Expo over the 4th of July weekend, The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) announced its spin-off convention with the “anime expo.”
This convention is described as a smaller-scale convention that will allow fans an additional opportunity to celebrate Japanese pop culture. The event focuses primarily on the exhibit hall and artist alley experience.
The smaller anime expo takes place in Ontario, Calif. from November 12-13, 2022 at the Ontario Convention Center. Ticket sales information will be announced in the upcoming months.
“Seeing our Anime Expo family once per year simply isn’t enough, which is why we’re incredibly excited to bring the brand-new ‘anime expo’ event to Ontario, California,” said Ray Chaing, CEO of SPJA. “Anime Expo 2022 was a success, and we look forward to carrying that positive momentum into this smaller-scale show that provides a unique, more intimate opportunity for fans of Japanese pop culture to come together a second time this year.”
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As for Anime Expo, it was the first convention back since 2019 with 1,000 hours of programming with music guests SG5, Travis Japan, and renowned DJs Steve Aoki and TeddyLoid. The guests of honor included Studio MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka, JUJUTSU KAISEN scriptwriter Hiroshi Seko, Ranking of Kings director Yosuke Hatta, animation producer Maiko Okada of WIT Studio, and Mika Akitaka, creator of Anime Expo’s iconic mascot MAX.
“After three long years away from the Los Angeles Convention Center, it was incredibly important to all of us at SPJA that our community is welcomed home with a truly unforgettable convention experience,” continued Chiang. “And, thanks to all the participants—including exhibitors (small and big alike), artists, industry, and sponsors—and the incredibly hard work and dedication shown by each and every volunteer and staff member, we’re proud to say that this year’s show not only met, but exceeded our expectations. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for next year!”
Anime Expo convention returns as an in-person event from July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention next year. Ticket sales for next year’s event will be announced this fall.
Source: Anime Expo
