The most fun events at a fan convention.
Fan conventions are held worldwide and they come in all shapes and sizes —from intimate gatherings of folks who like anime, comics, or sci-fi to massive expos filled with hundreds of exhibitors, tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise, and epic events.
If you’re planning to go to one of these upcoming conventions, here are some of the most fun events that you might be able to enjoy!
Raves and Dances
A rave at an anime convention is a party or dance event that takes place during the convention, typically in the evening. These events typically feature electronic dance music (EDM) and usually include light shows and other special effects like lasers and fog machines. They are often organized by the convention and are open to all attendees. Most anime conventions also feature cosplay, or costume play, where attendees dress up as their favorite anime characters. Raves at anime conventions are a way for attendees to let loose and have fun with other fans of anime and manga.
Arcade Gaming Rooms
Many anime conventions feature gaming rooms filled with arcade and console games — mostly from Japan. Japanese arcade games are often imported from “game centers” in Japan or directly from the Japanese manufacturers. These games are typically based on Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture, and are usually developed by Japanese companies. Some popular examples of Japanese arcade games include fighting games, rhythm games, and light gun games. Some popular series include:
- Street Fighter
- Tekken
- Dance Dance Revolution
- Initial D
- Taiko no Tatsujin
Japanese arcade games often feature unique and innovative gameplay mechanics, as well as colorful and vibrant graphics. In Japan they also often include collectible prizes or merchandise, known as “gachapon,” which can be won by playing the games, and more conventions are starting to have gatchapon games too.
Cosplay & Cosplay Repair
Cosplay, ie for “costume roleplay,” is a huge part of conventions. It’s a hobby in which participants create and wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction, such as anime, manga, comic books, video games, and films. Many cosplayers often take great care to accurately portray the chosen character, paying attention to details such as costumes, props, and makeup, but other convention cosplayers make “closet costumes” which are just for fun and made from things they happen to have lying around. Cosplay is also an art of self expression and creativity, allowing people to showcase their skills in costume making, acting, and interpretation of the character they are portraying. Cosplay is a way to show appreciation for a favorite character or work, and it also creates a sense of community among the fans attending the convention. Most conventions have a costume contest as a mainstage event, for example.
Since people wear their costumes while dancing and having fun at conventions, often costumes can get damaged or broken. So many conventions hosted by professional anime con organizations around the have cosplay repair rooms that include all kinds of supplies for fixing up costumes. This can include everything from tape, glu, sewing needles, spare fabric, clamps, batteries, and more.
Autograph Signings
Most conventions invite famous guests to the events. Typically these guests are voice actors who dub anime into English. Autograph signings at an anime convention are events where fans can meet and interact with voice actors, artists, directors and other special guests who are involved in the production of anime and manga. During these autograph sessions, attendees can get autographs, take photos and have a brief conversation with the guest. It’s a great way to meet your “idol” or thank someone for doing the voice of your favorite character. These events are usually scheduled in advance and are announced by the convention, and a ticket or pass may be required to attend if the convention has a lot of people. Autograph signings are an opportunity for fans to meet their favorite creators and voice actors, and to get a piece of memorabilia that they can keep as a reminder of the experience. Many guests charge a small fee for autographs, but some guests like Greg Ayres don’t charge money for their autographs. Some conventions also have a merchandise booth where the autographed merchandise can be purchased.
Concerts and Shows
Many conventions feature concerts from musicians that may be related to nerdy culture — like nerdcore rap at AniMinneapolis. Some larger events, especially once over 5,000 people start coming, will invite guests from Japan to perform. Often these are singers who have performed an opening or closing theme song in a popular anime. Some conventions will even have 4 or 5 or more musicians from Japan performing at the event. These concerts offer a rare opportunity for fans to enjoy anime music live that they would not be able to see outside of Japan.
Next time you go to a convention, I hope you enjoy many of these incredible events, and don’t be afraid to share tons of photos on your Facebook and Instagram.