Animazement facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Animazement |
|
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Anime, Manga, Japanese Culture |
| Venue | Raleigh Convention Center |
| Location(s) | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 1998 |
| Attendance | 11,300+ in 2015 |
| Organized by | Educational Growth Across Oceans |
| Filing status | 501(c)3 |
| Website | http://www.animazement.com/ |
Animazement is an exciting yearly event held in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a three-day convention that celebrates all things Anime, Manga, and Japanese culture. This big gathering usually takes place in May at the Raleigh Convention Center. It's always held during the Memorial Day weekend. Animazement is designed to be a great time for the whole family. It's run by amazing volunteers who don't get paid, showing how much they love the event!
What Happens at Animazement?
Animazement is packed with tons of cool activities for everyone! You can find an artist alley where talented artists sell their work. There are also fun classes where you can learn new things. You might even catch some awesome concerts!
- Cosplay Chess: Imagine your favorite characters playing a giant game of chess!
- Cosplay Contests: Show off your amazing costumes and see others' creative designs.
- Dealers Room: A huge marketplace where you can buy anime, manga, and Japanese goodies.
- Gaming Tournaments: Compete with friends in video games.
- Manga Library: Relax and read your favorite manga.
- Masquerade Ball: A fancy event where people dress up and perform.
- Musicians: Enjoy live music performances.
- Panel Discussions: Learn from experts and voice actors about anime and Japanese culture.
- Raves: Dance to music with your friends.
- Gaming Rooms: Play all sorts of games, from classic arcade games to modern console games.
- Video Screenings: Watch your favorite anime on the big screen.
- Voice Actors: Meet the people who bring your favorite anime characters to life!
In 2015, Animazement helped raise over $12,000 for different charities. That's pretty cool!
Animazement's History
Animazement started way back in 1997. It began as a 36-hour anime movie marathon. This marathon was organized by a group called the Triangle Area Anime Society (TAAS) at North Carolina State University.
The very first Animazement convention happened in 1998. It was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the North Raleigh Hilton hotel. In 2001, the convention moved to the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina. Then, in 2002, it changed its date to May, which is when it's usually held now.
In 2009, Animazement moved to its current home, the Raleigh Convention Center. That same year, a few Japanese guests couldn't come because of worries about the Swine flu. Sadly, in 2012, a special guest named Noboru Ishiguro passed away before the event. Animazement celebrated its 20th birthday in 2017!
Unfortunately, Animazement 2020 had to be cancelled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many events around the world to be postponed or cancelled for safety.
