Formed in 1999, Anime USA was created to celebrate and display the many aspects of Japanese culture such as fashion, animation, art, and history, with a primary focus on anime.
This year’s convention returned to the Hyatt Regency hotel in Crystal City (Arlington, Virginia) from October 14-16. The area offered plenty of parking, lodging, and dining for guests. The weather was in the 60s and 70s, allowing cosplayers and photographers to escape the dim indoor lighting and to have paid or pro bono outdoor photo shoots. Behind the hotel were faceless monuments which typically had a line of models and cameras, while out front it was common to see various poses in front of the gardens.
Anime USA is a smaller, but more intimate convention. It’s a place where people can reflect upon making friends. Interviewing Richard and John, they met there nearly ten years ago and still remain in close contact. Friday and Sunday were small enough to see familiar faces but not become bored, while Saturday was packed. Covid-19 protection policies were still in place upon entering official convention space, however attendees were not required to mask up in other hotel areas.
The convention was open to guests of all ages, but some events were 18 plus and separated with arm bands. The burlesque show, featuring Scarlett Mafia celebrated body positivity and there were late night panels running through 1 a.m. that discussed censorship in anime. Most events and panels were open to all attendees such as Saturday night’s Masquerade which was a cosplay runway and judging competition.
Featured guests were voice actors/actresses Chris Patton (Fire Emblem, Sword Art Online, Soul Eater, Final Fantasy VII, Dragon Ball Z), Tiffany Grant (Full Metal Alchemist, Blue Seed, Nojiko, Neon Genesis Evangelion), Emi Lo (Cyberpunk, Demon Slayer, Fate, Lupin the 3rd), and Sarah Williams (Madoka Magica, Demon Slayer, Fate, Kill la Kill). Guests had tables in the Dealers’ Room and signed autographs in the bottom floor main lobby.
Chris Patton took group photos with fans dressed as Demon Slayer and One Piece characters on Sunday afternoon while waiting for an Uber, then signed prints when he came back.
A stand out feature of Anime USA is its Japanese Culture room which had displays for people to view while attending arts and crafts sessions. They were able to make intricate designs under the guidance of two staff members throughout each day.
On Friday night, guests donned their dress clothes for a formal dance at the Ballroom Dance. Some even wore formal attire over their cosplays. Attendees were dressed as Boosette, Denji, Power, Waluigi, Tanjiro, and more, dancing and vogueing to Thriller and Love Shack.
The Dealers’ Room offered illustration books, shirts, plushies, toys, bamboo swords, manga, anime, and more. Next to it was Artists’ Alley where people could pick up prints and other art. There was a video game room with Dance Dance Revolution, Marvel vs Capcom, and more. Chairs and staff from other conventions such as Miryokucon, Zenkaikon, and Setsucon tabled to network for future events, offering advanced discounts.
To reiterate, one of the biggest advantages of Anime USA is its size. Attendees were able to build friendships with each other, artists, and dealers as well as have conversations with voice actors/actresses from shows that they love.
