It’s one of my favorite events of the year. The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is host to this annual event which is the largest trade show of it’s kind in the U.S. It is an opportunity for fans to get up close in personal with industry types, influential artists and mingle with other anime fans from all over the country who are just like them…diehard otaku! 

The AX Exhibition hall is jam packed with import and domestic anime and manga merchandise for sale.  There are also charity auctions, masquarade balls, dances, panels on culture and fandom, live concerts and of course almost 24 hour viewing of anime is scheduled. Whatever your taste in anime, you will find something you like. 

One of my favorite parts of Anime Expo is the Artist Alley where up and coming artist display their artwork for attendess to enjoy.  They sell their artwork on anything from buttons to stickers and badges to 8×10 prints. You can also commission an artist to do a custom made piece of artwork just for you. 

Another favorite of mine are the cultural classes AX has to offer.  I have attended an authentic tea ceremony and learned a fan dance. This year I plan on attending the origami class and parapara dancing.  Last year I was introduced to parapara dancing and I think I caught the bug.  

Get more info at www.anime-expo.org This years AX is being held July 3-6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.