Anime Los Angeles in Long Beach

Animé Los Angeles returns to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center for another celebration of the art, culture and fun of Japanese animation. The community-focused convention, which takes place from January 9-12, is well loved for its manageable size, comfortable atmosphere and plenty of contests, cosplay and all aspects of fandom. Convention doors open at 9AM each day. Here’s a few highlights that make Animé Los Angeles such a great draw.

CREDIT: Bryan Mier

VENDORS AND DEALERS

The Long Beach Convention Center’s (300 E. Ocean Blvd) main hall will open for Animé Los Angeles 20 each morning at 10AM and stay open until 7PM, except Sunday, when it will close at 5PM. Featuring an incredible array of dealers and vendors, the hall will feature those showing and selling artwork, books, costumes, figurines, food and lots more. Artist Alley features more than 200 artists promoting their art and themselves, offering attendees a chance to discover a new artist to follow. Attendees will also hear from numerous Guests of Honor including director Shinichiro Watanabe, famous for his work on “Cowboy Bebop.”

CREDIT: Bryan Mier

COSPLAY

This year will feature numerous contests and showcases, including the first Hall Cosplay Contest. Attendees need only wear their creations and either be seen by a roaming judge or present themselves to a featured judge who will review costumes. Cosplay Chess allows you to act as a lifesize chess piece on a giant chess board. There will be numerous cosplay gatherings focused on specific shows, from Pokemon to Attack on Titan. The Masquerade takes place Jan. 11 featuring cosplay competitors from across the country putting on master class performances for attendees to enjoy.

CREDIT: Bryan Mier

AKIHABARA SEASIDE

This year, the Convention Center’s Seaside Meeting Rooms will transform into Akihabara Seaside, offering all the amenities of the Seaside space with the addition of features like the E-Gaming Room, Manga Lounge, Table Top Gaming spot, as well as a costume repair station. If you are just looking for a place to relax, there’s plenty of space throughout Akihabara Seaside for attendees to congregate, hang or chill out.

SONG AND DANCE

There will be all manner of music-related events offered throughout the convention including a dedicated Karaoke space in the Interactive Programming Room with all welcome to perform and enjoy. There will be nightly parties and dances with DJs providing plenty of music to move to. A formal dance will be held Thursday, January 9 from 7-11PM in Live Programming 1 room and will offer dance lessons. Guests of Honor FAKE TYPE and Shihori, who have provided music for many popular animé industry projects, will perform on January 10.

CREDIT: Bryan Mier

GET THE APP

With so much to do, see and sing, it’s a good idea to get yourself a good guide. Animé Los Angeles 20 offers a mobile app via the Guidebook App allowing you to use your phone to stay up to date with all manner of programming, events, vendors, guest speakers and so much more.

To download the app simply click here and start making plans for a great Animé Los Angeles 20!

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.