Alert for all otaku! The annual anime and Japanese culture convention, Anime Matsuri, is ready to roll from 13th-16th June at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
The first Anime Matsuri was held in 2007 and since then, it has quickly become one of the biggest anime conventions in North America with over 36,000 attendees each year. With over 2 million square feet of convention space, the venue gathers more than 300 exhibitors and vendors, showcasing comics, anime goods and the latest trends.
Events at Anime Matsuri range in scale, from anime panels, and workshops to cosplay competition, Japanese car, and fashion shows.
The highlight of Anime Matsuri 2019 is undoubtedly the all-star guest lineup in the autographs and Q&A sessions, including renowned voice actors Nobuhiko Okamoto (岡本 信彦), the voice of Katsuki Bakugō (爆豪勝己) in My Hero Academia; Wataru Hatano (羽多野 渉), the voice of Yaotome Gaku (八乙女樂) in IDOLiSH7 and Nozomu Sasaki (佐々木 望), the voice of Yusuke Urameshi in YuYu Hakusho (浦飯 幽助).
▲Voice actors Nobuhiko Okamoto (岡本 信彦) will be attending Anime Matsuri 2019
Also joining the lineup is voice actress Aina Kusuda (楠田 亜衣奈), best known as the character Nozomi Tōjō in the Love Live! School idol project anime and game franchise, as well as A Royal Proposition manga creator Harumo Sanazaki (真崎 春望).
This year’s show also makes the debut of Otomate Store, a famous Tokyo shop that deals exclusively in Otome merchandise. The pop-up store will house official and exclusive merchandise from Otomate games including Amnesia, Diabolik Lovers, and Collar x Malice.
The world’s first and only official Godzilla store, Godzilla Store Tokyo, will also be coming to Anime Matsuri 2019. Kaiju fans better not to miss out the chance to get official products from the Japanese movies and the new Godzilla King of The Monsters film. In addition, there will be an area showcasing massive displays and official artwork and storyboards from the Japanese films.
The Cinnamoroll Maid Cafe will open its door, with Cinnamon Roll inspired desserts, decor and adorable maids in a special edition uniform. For otome, Anime Matsuri 2019 also has a butler cafe, where you can enjoy excellent service.
Other activities include South Korean girl group Apink live concert, table tap gaming competition, The Nerdlesque Show and DJ show.