In the U.S., Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer holidays, and its also when the anime and comic convention truly kicks into high gear. Whether you live on the East or West Coast, up North or down South, there's a show scheduled for this holiday weekend.
If you live in California, the place to be will be FanimeCon at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. With J-pop / Akihabara idol Halko Momoi and GAINAX executive director Hiroyuki Yamaga in the house, a maid cafe, karaoke, three nights of dancing and 'round-the-clock anime and Asian movie screenings from 3 pm Friday until 3 pm Monday, Fanime promises to draw both casual and hardcore otaku alike. You can get a taste of the cosplay, crowds and fun in store by taking a peek at my photo gallery from FanimeCon 2008.
For East Coasters, Anime Boston is the major event of the weekend. The Hynes Convention Center and the nearby Sheraton Boston Hotel will be ground zero for fans as this annual event welcomes voice actors Greg Ayres, Travis Willingham and Laura Bailey, artists Misako Rocks and Emily and Robert DeJesus, and bands Bespa Kumamero and Kalafina.
Cross the border up north, fans will gather for Anime North, one of Canada's major anime events of the year. The festivities kick off on Friday, May 22 at 6 pm, and keeps on going until Sunday, May 24 at 6 pm, with most events happening at the the Toronto Congress Center, in Toronto, Ontario. The Japanese guest of honor is voice actor Nobuyuki Hiyama, and North American guests of honor include cosplayers extraordinaire Karen Dick and Ricky Dick.
Down south a-ways in Orlando, Florida is JACON, which is celebrating its tenth and final year. The events will be held at the Ramada Orlando Celebration Hotel & Convention Center located near Lake Buena Vista. Guests include Steve Bennett, co-founder of Studio Ironcat, musician Stan Bush, author Lynn Flewelling, voice actors Richard Epcar, Gregg Berger and much more.
Meanwhile, North Carolina's anime event to see and be seen at is Animazement at the Raleigh Convention Center. Japanese guests include director Jun Shishido (Hajime no Ippo, BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad), Masao Maruyama, the president of MADHOUSE anime studio, and voice actor Ryuusei Nakao (Bleach, Dragon Ball Z and One Piece)
I'll be at Fanime -- but which shows are you going to attend? Chime in on the forums or share your photos! Also, see more upcoming shows in the 2009-2010 Anime and Comic Conventions Calendar!
Image credit: © FANIMECON
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