AnimeJapan

You may have gone to an anime convention back home. Why not go to one in the country that started it all? AnimeJapan has everything you’d expect: exhibitions, goods, special anime-business collaborations, and stage appearances and performances by some of the biggest names in the industry. This year’s theme is Japan – which is confusing but hey – who doesn’t want more Japan at an anime festival in Tokyo?

The event is split into two parts – the 21st and 22nd are public days and the 23rd and 24th are ‘business days’ which is a good idea if you’re interested in the industry. Note that usually it’s the other way round, with business days help leading up to the event, but it’s now been moved.

A note to cosplayers: like winter and summer Comiket, you have to pay a fee of around ¥1,000. BUT, you do get to enjoy access to a changing room and a luggage storage service that sweetens the deal.

Admission is free for children 12 years old and under (oh, the benefits of youth!). This year there is a Family Anime Festa with areas focused on children including meet and greets withpopular characters. Advance tickets cost ¥1,900 and on-the-day tickets cost ¥2,300 along with free entry for those under 12 (and their guardians to the Family zone). Tickets are also valid for one day only, so if you want to go both days you’ll have to cough up more cash.

Note that this year the event is taking place in the West and South Halls of Big Sight, not the East Halls.

(Emily Ting)