Here’s what to expect when Animé Los Angeles returns to Long Beach in January
The world of anime and manga is coming to life in Long Beach at the Animé Los Angeles Convention.
The Jan. 5-8 convention is expected to attract up to 15,000 fans for a weekend that will include artists, writers, vendors, fashion shows, music and, of course, lots of cosplay.
“It’s four really packed days of great events and activities. Lots and lots of guests,” said Alec Orrock, chairman of the event, which started 18 years ago and has moved around to several places before making its Long Beach debut last year.
Here are five things anime fans can expect to see and do at the annual convention.
Dance off
The first day of the event is anchored by The Twilight Gala, a formal dance taking place from 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 in the Seaside Ballroom. There will be a few dance awards given out for those with the right skills, but there is a dress code, so suits and fancy dresses are strongly recommended. Cosplay costumes are also welcomed, but they also have to be dressed up, so expect to see some anime characters all fancied up for the occasion.
“Think of it like a prom at a convention,” Orrock advised.
Masquerade contest
Cosplayers will compete in skits and show off their costumes at the convention Masquerade. The skits will range from one to about three minutes and are made up of dramatic performances as well as comedy routines.
“We get a lot of people that come from all over the country, all over the world to compete. It really is a top level event,” Orrock said.
That will take place on the main stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7.
Cosplay chess
Cosplayers act as the chess pieces in this oversized chess match taking place at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6. The participants will move around the chess board to whichever spot the players tell them to move.
“It’s amazingly popular. We’ve been doing this for years at our event,” Orrock added.
Karaoke time
Grab a mic and sing your little anime hearts out at the karaoke stage. Open mic nights will happen nightly starting at 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be a karaoke competition that will take place throughout the first three days of the convention, with a winner announced on Sunday.
And for those who are really into karaoke, there will be workshops on Thursday and Friday evenings showing guests things like how to set up a stage at home and some vocal training techniques will be shared to improve their singing.
Read and reflect
True fans will want to take some time to read their favorite graphic novels or check out a few issues they may want to purchase from the dozens of vendors. Those folks can head over to the Manga Lounge, which is a quiet library area stocked with manga and anime books that guests can check out and chill away from all the hustle and bustle of the convention. It’s open daily starting at 9 a.m.
Animé Los Angeles Convention
When: Opens at 9 a.m. daily Jan. 5-8
Where: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
Cost: $95 for weekend pass; $35-$55 single day passes at animelosangeles.org.