Anime Pasadena draws thousands for cosplay, creators and celebrities – Pasadena Star News
Anime Pasadena, the city hosting the convention for the fifth time, promised attendees a weekend dedicated to anime and manga fans, artists and creators.
And since the show on Saturday, November 4th, it has done just that, although Sunday’s event is still pending.
In keeping with the spirit of Anime Cons, most attendees impersonated their favorite characters from a variety of shows.
“It’s kind of like the Rose Bowl, you know, where you just enjoy watching the parade of characters,” said vendor Irish Huang.
Huang, a biologist by training, said she illustrates as a hobby and is a salesperson at conventions for fun.
The excitement was palpable Saturday, and the size of the Pasadena Convention Center comfortably accommodated more than 350 vendors, 45 celebrity guests and, according to authorities, 10,000 attendees.
Michael Munch was shopping in Artists’ Alley when someone called from across the room. But it wasn’t his name and face that made him famous, but rather Ezreal from the video game League of Legends.
That’s common, he said. Just like visiting a celebrity, once participants find their favorite characters, they approach them for photos, videos and friendships.
“The interactions are fun,” he said. “It brings joy to you and the people who see you.”
For some fans, the best chance to get closer to their favorite stories is to meet the people who bring them to life.
At conferences like these, illustrators, voice actors and authors meet with participants for photo sessions, autographs and discussions.
Edward Cheng said he waited for hours to see some of his favorite actors. On Saturday, he lined up to meet Robbie Daymond, the voice of Tuxedo Man from Sailor Moon. The Long Beach native said “Anime Pasadena” managed to use voice actors who don’t normally come to the West Coast.
“Trying to meet them is like a dream come true because they live out there and usually stay out there,” he said.
The lineup was so rare that some traveled from across the state, such as Jose Ruiz from North Carolina. As an avid Funko Pop collector, he said it made more sense to travel with his collection to collect signatures than mail them to friends.
The decision was significant for Ruiz, who shared that until Anime Pasadena he had never traveled on a scheduled basis and had never taken a vacation.
“I never really thought I would ever be in LA,” he said. “Master Chief and Cortana were the main ones I really wanted to see – they were kind of the dealbreakers.”
He said the smaller event offered in Pasadenas was more accessible for him for the first time away from home.
“I don’t want to get lost in the sauce,” Ruiz added. “It just felt like this scam was going to be good.”
Unlike previous years, this was the fifth year the convention utilized the entire Pasadena convention space to offer a variety of attractions.
This year, officials say, is about giving back to fans with a series of activities and “freebies” included in the price of participation, such as two free professional photo booths, a scavenger hunt, a free arcade zone and even limited edition anime Pasadena jewelry giveaways.
According to the numbers, fans showed up regularly. Visit Pasadena estimates this year’s Anime Pasadena will bring in $1.7 million for the city.
This forecast is based on direct business sales from participants, event organizers and sponsors in 2022 across the accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, retail, leisure, space rental and business services industries, according to officials.
Grateful businesses have come together in the spirit of giving through the Show Your Badge program, offering discounts on local food, beverages and entertainment.
It will take place again on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, including tickets and a schedule of events, visit animepasadena.com.
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