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Anime Expo Explored By AZFOODGUY

AX Convention Director did a great job!

By AZFOODGUYPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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I was finally able to attend Anime Expo AGAIN in 2022. We were confined to our house for three years because to the epidemic. It was an unforgettable event that I will never forget, and I'm so grateful I was able to attend.

In 2019, before I became AZFOODGUY, was the last time I went.

Anime Expo is a large gathering for enthusiasts of anime and manga. You may anticipate seeing hundreds of cosplayers, merchants selling items, and fans from all over the globe together to celebrate their love of both anime and manga. It's a place to socialize, meet new friends, and learn what's happening in the anime and manga world.

As soon as I went inside the conference hall, I could sense the buzz of anticipation. After such a lengthy absence, everyone at Anime Expo was ecstatic to be back, and you could feel it in the air. There were many sellers and fans in the vendor hall. They were selling a variety of items, including figurines, clothing, and even streetwear. I spent hours window-shopping and admiring all the beautiful items on show.

The vendor hall at Anime Expo is a large display area where attendees may purchase anything relating to anime, manga, and other popular Japanese culture. The following are examples of items you may find in the vendor's hall:

Figures and toys (there are a lot of figures, toys, and collectibles with characters from popular anime and manga series)

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There are for sale T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and other things featuring your favorite anime and manga characters. Check out these "Gundam" Anthony Wang shoes. Pricey but looks great if you're into that particular anime.

Printed works of art (there were original art and prints with anime and manga characters, as well as original or fan art made by artists who were attending)

DVDs and Blu-rays (although people don't actually purchase them anymore due to the popularity of anime streaming from Crunchyroll)

Media showcasing manga and anime series that are popular.

Anime video games! There are so many adaptations of anime programs into console and PC games

Artists and crafters create items such as plush toys, jewelry, and key chains by hand.

Artist Alley was one of my favorite expo features. It was a venue where local artists and creators could exhibit and sell their unique work. There were many people there, and as I moved through the hallways, I repeatedly ran into individuals. Everyone was excited to return to Anime Expo, and the mood was fantastic.

Artist Alley is a section of Anime Expo where artists and other creative individuals may display and sell their original works and other goods influenced by anime, manga, and other kinds of popular culture. Typical merchants on Artist Alley include illustrators, graphic designers, sculptors, costume manufacturers, and others. One of my favorite streetwear brands is called Valeza.

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Artist Alley mostly, if not exclusively, offers handcrafted crafts and unique works of art, along with buttons, stickers, and other small products. Some artists also accept commissions, in which clients may request custom-made items or have their own concepts produced on the spot.

Artist Alley originated during anime and manga events, when fans and artists gather to sketch things they both like and to celebrate their common passions. Over the years, Artist Alley has developed into a thriving hub of creativity and commerce where artists can share their talents and ideas with a broader audience and where consumers can purchase one-of-a-kind art that is unavailable elsewhere.

Artist Alley is a popular destination during Anime Expo, and there is usually a lot going on there. If you are a fan of anime, manga, or popular culture in general, you are certain to discover something on Artist Alley that speaks to you.

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I really enjoyed perusing the figurines and trying on things in the vendor hall. The greatest item I purchased during the event was a white streetwear jacket that I had to purchase in Little Tokyo since the vendor hall was out of my size. In addition, I purchased a Persona 5 jacket, a Persona 4 bucket hat, and a Persona 4 Teddie shirt from the Persona booth.

You may have guessed that I like Persona. I really like Persona 5: Royal. Persona 5 is well-liked for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the game is renowned for its visual quality. Its distinctive visual aesthetic sets it apart from other role-playing games. The universe of the game is filled with memorable personalities and locations.

It also takes set in modern-day Tokyo and has several allusions to Japanese popular culture, which will pique the curiosity of anime and manga aficionados. The game's soundtrack is comprised of jazz, pop, and other genres of music that contribute to the game's atmosphere and overall experience.

You may do further Persona-related research online, so I will return to my AX x AZFOODGUY excursion.

Even though there were no hotel room parties or late-night performances this year, adjacent clubs and warehouses nonetheless hosted after-parties. Although I did not dress up, the Persona Cafe was a lot of fun. There was an illuminated dancing floor with several Persona decorations. It was an excellent approach to recognize the series.

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One of the highlights of my vacation was the hotel's breakfast buffet. An AZFOODGUY necessity on any trip. The Westin's breakfast buffet included smoked salmon, eggs benedict, and other delicious meat dishes. I prepared lox-topped bagels every day!

I like to begin with a freshly toasted bagel of my choosing, whether it's a plain bagel, something with sesame seeds, or a "whatever" bagel with a combination of seeds and spices. On top of it, I spread a thick layer of cream cheese or another creamy spread, creating the ideal surface for the toppings. Next, I add the big attraction: wonderful, salty, and smokey smoked salmon. I sprinkled capers over the fish, and each mouthful was bursting with flavor. And the onions, naturally. The creamy texture, smokiness, tartness, and crunchiness all complement one another.

Each morning before returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center, I enjoyed eating a nice breakfast at the Westin Bonaventure.

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As we departed California on our last day of driving home, there was almost no traffic, and we even witnessed fireworks. I'm happy I chose at the very last minute to attend Anime Expo in 2022 since I had a terrific experience. I cannot wait for the 2023 year's event and the many surprises it will offer. Badges and hotels already went on sale. If you're reading this, you're already passed many deadlines. Get to the Anime Expo website now!

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About the Creator

AZFOODGUY

AZFOODGUY is an Arizona-based influencer. AZFOODGUY showcases restaurants and events in Arizona including the Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona & more. AZFOODGUY is the resource for locals and visitors of Arizona to find amazing dining experiences.

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