ANIMEJAPAN 2019
You may have gone to an anime convention back home. Why not
go to one in the country that started it all? AnimeJapan (formerly known as
Tokyo International Anime Fair) that held at Tokyo Big Sight Odaiba, 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 Rock – but as the poster small
print helpfully notes, this is not a music concert! The event is split into two
parts – the 23rd and 24th are public days and the 25th and 26th 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 this year it’s afterwards.
The majority of the floor space at Tokyo Big Sight is
devoted to exhibition space featuring numerous booths by Japanese production
companies, such as Toei Animation, Bandai Namco and Tezuka Productions, as well
as foreign companies from around the world. Larger booths feature their own
theaters and stages, and host live shows and special appearances by anime and
manga creators as well as character actors that voice the parts.
Various events, including performances, interviews and
announcements will be held at the exhibition's main event stages, some of which
require reservations. Another area is devoted to cosplaying where tradeshow
visitors are encouraged to show off their cosplay outfits. Other attractions
include anime-related workshops and seminars, anime goods shops and a food
park.
A note to cosplayers, you have to pay a fee (¥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.
Tickets are also valid for one day only, so if you want to go both days
you’ll have to cough up more cash.
It is really recommended to come at least
once in a lifetime as the event will be a great memorable experience.
What do you think? do you like to come to
the event?