My soft spot with Anime is a long ongoing process that developed through decades of exposure and experiences. Yes, decades. I can’t recall my first ever anime but I remember as a young child years ago how I was fighting my uncles to watch my favorite anime from the TV. I grew up in one of the provinces of the Philippines. We had one TV and streaming was not a thing yet. As far as I remember, I have these anime that shaped my childhood- watching them after school, waiting for new episodes every weekend, getting disappointed if I get a replay run of the same episode from last week, getting inspired by the hero’s arc, crying with the characters, getting angry on the villains, having the desire to jump inside the screen to help the hero, and empathizing heavily with the characters and allowing yourself to inhabit that world even after it’s usual 30 minutes runtime. 

Some of these anime (as far as I remember) from my childhood are Ranma ½, B’T X, Magic Knight Ray Earth, Cooking Master Boy, Yu Yu Hakusho, Inuyasha, Flame of Recca, Dragon Ball, Rurouni Kenshin, Sailor Moon, Fushigi Yuugi, Cardcaptor Sakura, Doraemon, Princess Sarah, Zenki, Hunter X Hunter, Shoukoushi Cedie (Little Lord Fauntleroy), Saber Marionette J, and I’m pretty sure there are more.

And then there are the contemporary and older anime that I started watching as an adult- Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, Demon Slayer, Jujust Kaisen, Fullmetal Alchemist, etc. Point is that anime has always been an integral part of my life. If you were to ask me to give you chapters of my life based on the anime that I’ve watched on any specific period, I’ll have one for sure. 

Anyway, in line with all that, Anime Expo convention in Los Angeles always brings an inexplicable joy and excitement to me; not just as an anime lover, but also as someone who is generally curious in discovering new shows, artists, games, cosplays and a whole lot more.  

For several years now, every summer, the Los Angeles Convention Center transforms into a cosplayer’s paradise for Anime Expo 2024, the ultimate celebration of Japanese pop culture. From July 4th to 7th, thousands of anime enthusiasts will gather in Downtown LA for a long weekend brimming with excitement and entertainment. With over 1000 hours of programming, this year’s expo promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an expanded Exhibit Hall, vibrant Artist Alley, interactive panels, and exclusive premieres. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, Anime Expo offers something for everyone, ensuring that every moment is packed with memorable experiences.

Anime Expo is a haven for fans to connect with their favorite creators, voice actors, and industry insiders. Highlights include the grand Exhibit Hall, a sprawling 340,000 square feet filled with unique collectibles, exclusive merchandise, and cutting-edge electronics. For those seeking a more personal touch, Artist Alley showcases the creativity of amateur and semi-professional artists eager to share their bespoke crafts and original artwork. The panels at Anime Expo are a must-attend, offering insights from industry veterans and fan-led discussions that dive deep into the latest anime trends. Special premieres, such as the new seasons of "Re:ZERO" and "Tower of God", provide a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the latest anime releases.

No Anime Expo would be complete without its high-energy concerts and interactive events. Attendees can revel in live performances from popular J-Pop artists and ani-song performers, or witness the dazzling craftsmanship of cosplayers at the annual Masquerade competition. This year, AX is taking things up a notch with the introduction of AX Crossing, a vibrant outdoor area inspired by Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, complete with live performances and authentic Japanese food. Whether you’re gaming in the Entertainment Hall, meeting your favorite anime superstars, or simply chilling in one of the many relaxation zones, Anime Expo 2024 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of anime culture.

Dive into a World of Anime Magic:

The event lineup this year is packed with must-see panels and talks from some of the biggest names in the anime industry. Don’t miss the "Blue Wolves of Mibu" panel, the "BLUE LOCK" panel, and the "Kinnikuman" panel, featuring creators and voice actors sharing behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive insights. Attend the special anniversary panel by Avex Pictures, celebrating their 10th year with sneak peeks and industry discussions. Plus, the exhibit halls will showcase premieres like "HAIGAKURA" and "MOMENTARY LILY", giving fans the first look at upcoming hits.

Interactive events such as the AMV Competition and AX Dance, along with concerts from beloved J-Pop and ani-song artists, will keep you entertained all day. Be sure to visit the gaming sections, where you can try out the latest arcade and console games, and explore the chill zones like the Manga Lounge and Lounge 21. For those who love cosplay, the Masquerade competition is the pinnacle of creativity and performance.

If you're still on the fence about attending, this is your sign to join the festivities at Anime Expo. Dive headfirst into the heart of anime culture, meet like-minded fans, and create memories that will last a lifetime.