Marking its 20th anniversary, Anime Los Angeles returned to Long Beach, California, for its much-anticipated annual convention. This year, the event welcomed an impressive lineup of 37 industry professionals who engaged with attendees, sharing their knowledge and experiences while fostering connections with fans. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants had the opportunity to learn from the best in the field.
Sarah Spaceman, Aicosu, and Athel Artistry made a welcome return to the convention as judges for the official Anime LA masquerade. Their expertise and enthusiasm for the event added a vibrant touch to the festivities. Additionally, Keiichiro Maeno, renowned for his exceptional toy and figure designs, particularly his work on Gundam, graced the convention with his presence for all four days. His participation was a highlight for many attendees who admire his craftsmanship and creativity.
This year, two delightful maid cafés organized their own special events, featuring engaging performances and a reservation system. Asayoru and Dreamland Maid Café showcased their unique offerings on Friday and Saturday of the convention, respectively. For Asayoru, guests were required to secure their spots in advance, allowing them to select from a variety of combo options. Each combo came with the added bonus of a complimentary polaroid photo taken with one of the charming maids, creating a memorable experience. Throughout the event, the maids entertained attendees with lively performances every hour, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Drawing significant inspiration from authentic Japanese maid cafés, both establishments offer visitors a warm welcome, complete with personal introductions and engaging interactions. One of the highlights of the experience is when the maids perform a charming ritual, chanting the phrase “moe moe kyun!” to enhance the flavors of the meals served, making dining not just a meal but a delightful event.
Exhibiting Creativity
Within the vibrant atmosphere of the exhibit hall, a diverse array of vendors and artists gathered to present their unique creations, including notable names like Legumi and Melt & Fuze. Legumi, who has transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional artist, found his calling through the encouragement of a friend who also displayed his artwork at a modest gaming convention. Initially, Legumi grappled with self-doubt regarding his artistic abilities, but his unwavering passion propelled him toward improvement and mastery.
Melt & Fuze specializes in creating exquisite massage candles made from vegan ingredients, alongside handcrafted shea butter soaps, all beautifully decorated by the owner herself. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were closed, the owner found herself searching for the perfect Christmas gift for her grandmother but struggled to find anything suitable. This period of uncertainty turned into an opportunity for her to explore her creativity, leading her to experiment with soap-making.
Always Room for Improvement
During the convention days, there was a bit of confusion between the staff and the convention center regarding the rules. This miscommunication led to a situation where photographers found themselves unable to bring their equipment into the event. While it is understandable to restrict larger items like lights and tripods for safety and space reasons, the policy also unexpectedly included camera lenses that exceeded 2 inches in size.
The policy regarding weapon props at the convention was somewhat unclear, leading to confusion among attendees and staff alike. There were instances where certain staff members denied entry to participants carrying what were obviously fake weapons, which created frustration for those trying to enjoy the event. Fortunately, Anime Los Angeles took to their social media platforms to address some of these concerns, providing much-needed clarification on the rules. However, despite these efforts, many photographers and media outlets still found themselves at a disadvantage, as the ambiguity surrounding the policy made it challenging to capture quality content during the convention.
Anime Los Angeles is a cherished convention that holds a special place in the hearts of countless fans. Its unique atmosphere and vibrant community make it a standout event in the anime convention scene. While there is always potential for growth and enhancement, the friendly and approachable nature of the staff instills confidence that the next Anime Los Angeles will surpass expectations and offer an even more enjoyable experience for attendees.
Follow Anime Los Angeles‘s official Twitter page to keep up to date on registration and announcements.